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Epilepsy Awareness Day: Epilepsy is not a mental illness or a curse but a neurological disorder. Crores of people around the world are affected by it, but due to lack of information, patients often do not get help at the right time. To spread awareness about it, every year March 26 is celebrated as International Epilepsy Awareness Day.

history of today

Purple Day was started in 2008 by Cassidy Megan, a nine-year-old girl from Canada. Cassidy herself was struggling with epilepsy and she wanted people around the world to have correct information about this disease and not consider its patients alone. She chose the color purple because the lavender flower is often considered a symbol of loneliness and courage.

Cassidy’s idea was supported by the Epilepsy Association of Nova Scotia and soon became an international movement. Today, on March 26, people in more than 85 countries of the world spread awareness about epilepsy by wearing purple clothes and pledge to eradicate the social misconceptions to it.

In medical language, our brain works through electrical signals. When there is sudden and uncontrolled electrical activity in brain cells, a person has a seizure. This condition may last from a few seconds to a few minutes. According to experts, the symptoms of epilepsy can be different from person to person, some people suddenly become numb and some people experience severe tremors in their body.

what to do if you have a seizure

• People often make mistakes due to nervousness during the tour. You should keep these things in mind.
• First of all, keep yourself calm and stay near the patient.
• Remove sharp or hard objects from around the patient so that he does not get hurt. Place a soft cloth or pillow under their head.
• After the tremors stop, gently turn the patient on his side. This makes breathing easier and reduces the risk of suffocation due to saliva or vomit.
• Be sure to note how long the tour lasted. If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, call an ambulance immediately.

What not to do?

• Never put spoon, cloth or water in the patient’s mouth. This can obstruct their breathing pipe.
• Do not try to force the person or stop the shaking during a seizure.
• Avoid superstitious practices like smelling shoes or feeding them onions, these have no scientific basis.

Treatment and modern technology

Nowadays, treatment of epilepsy is possible. In about 70% of cases, seizures can be completely controlled with the right medications. For patients who do not respond to medicines, there are options like ketogenic diet, vagus nerve stimulation and advanced surgery. EEG and specially designed MRI scans prove to be very helpful for diagnosis.

Purple Day is not just a day but a promise to support people suffering from epilepsy. If we have correct information and consult a doctor on time, epilepsy patients can also live a completely normal and active life. Wear purple this 26th March and be a part of awareness.

Disclaimer: The suggestions given in this article are for general information only. Consult a doctor for any health problem. Obnews does not confirm any kind of claim.