Today is INTERNATIONAL EPILEPSY DAY. The day marks to create awareness about epilepsy among people. Epilepsy is a chronic disorder of brain which causes recurrent seizures or fits.
Epilepsy is a chronic disorder that causes unprovoked, recurrent seizures. With the aim to create awareness about epilepsy every year, Second Monday of February is observed as International Epilepsy day.
EPILEPSY: CAUSES
· Congenital abnormalities of brain
· Brain damage from prenatal or perinatal injuries
· Infection of the brain like Tuberculosis
· Genetic factors
· Meningitis/encephalitis
· Brain malformations
· Head injury
· Stroke
· Brain tumor
· Brain hemorrhage
· Neurocysticercosis
MANAGING THE SEIZURE
· Stay calm
· Do not try to physically stop the seizure
· Make sure that the person is safe
· Remove sharp or harmful objects out of the person with seizures
· Ease the patient to the floor
· Loosen any tight neck wear
· Remove any tight clothing
· Do not put any objects like spoon in the patient’s mouth during the seizure
· Gently roll the person to one side
· Put something soft under patient’s head
· Be with the person until medical help arrives
· Allow the person to rest or sleep
The seizures are caused as a result of sudden, excessive electrical discharges in the neurons. Seizures are the main symptom of epilepsy. Symptoms differ from person to person and according to the type of seizure.
PRECAUTIONS DURING TREATMENT
Restrict activities like driving or swimming
Avoid working near fire
Wear a medical alert bracelet
Take medications exactly as prescribed
Fix a time for taking medicines
Never stop taking your medication without doctor’s advice
Do not ignore any unusual changes in your mood or behaviors
VO 3-Anti epileptic drugs may prove effective in most cases If medications don’t treat the condition, surgery or another type of treatment may be required. Proper treatment and taking precautions may support better management of seizures and ensure quality of life for the person with epilepsy.