International Epilepsy day held on 2nd Monday of February every year is just more than a calendar mark .
It advocates the propagation of awareness and unwavering support for the millions worldwide living with a chronic disease like epilepsy.
History of IED
It is an annual awareness- raising initiative conducted by International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and International League against Epilepsy (ILAE). The Inaugural event was held on 10th February 2008 and is celebrated annually.
The theme for IED 2024 is “Milestones on my epilepsy”
IED is now more important than ever since it is the roadmap to WHO’s 10-year plan on Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and other neurological diseases.
Objectives for IED
The theme for IED 2024 is “Milestones on my epilepsy journey”
- raise awareness at international and government level as well as in general public.
- understand problems faced by the epilepsis community.
- strengthen the epileptic movement by uniting the associations from worldwide
- provide the epilepsy organisation with a fund-raising opportunity
- Educate the public about the myths and misconceptions surrounding epilepsy.
- Push for improved access to diagnosis, treatment, and support for people with epilepsy.
- Celebrate the strength and resilience of the epilepsy community.
What is epilepsy?
It is a neurological disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness, or convulsions, associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
It is one of the most common neurological disorders on planet affecting almost over 50 million people globally.
Cause
- Genetic
- Head injury or trauma
- Developmental anomaly
- Infections like meningitis and HIV.
- Stroke
- Childhood seizures
Signs and symptoms
Seizures can be of many types and different symptoms are visible depending upon the area of brain it effects. A seizure can cause –
- Temporary confusion.
- A staring spell.
- Stiff muscles.
- Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Psychological symptoms such as fear, anxiety or deja vu
Warning signs of seizures some people experience then before the actual seizure begins.
Symptoms of psychosis can also be seen.
Diagnosis
Certain tests are conducted such as –
- Neurological examination
- Blood tests
- Genetic testing
- Electroencephalogram(EEG)
- High density EEG
- Computer CT scan
Treatment for Epilepsy
The possible treatments include –
- Medicine
- Surgery
- Therapies that stimulate brain using a device
- Ketogenic diet
Anti-epileptic drugs are used for treating epilepsy which include a series of anticonvulsants that prevent further seizures .
Events for the International epilepsy day-
- Awareness walks and runs
- Educational workshops
- Fundraisers
- Support group meets
- Info booths and exhibits
- School presentations
- Media coverage
- Online webinars
- Purple day celebrations
- Art therapy sessions
- Public service announcements
- Workplace education programme
- Community outreach events
- Documentary screenings
- Peer support programs
- Community art projects
Living with epilepsy
“You are strong when you know your weakness and beautiful when you appreciate your flaws”
Living with a chronic disease as epilepsy is not easy. It is really difficult to put ourselves in the shoes of epilepsy patients.But still we can try to empathize and appreciate their efforts to survive.
Busting the myths
- Epilepsy is not contagious
- People with epilepsy don’t have any intellectual disability
- People with epilepsy can live normal lives
- Epilepsy seizures are treatable
If given proper care and treatment epilepsy is curable and one can live a total seizure free life,provided proper environment is available to the patient.
Let’s spread light on epilepsy and break the stigma!!
For more such interesting topics please keep visiting our site.
Any queries or insights are most welcomed.
– Chahhat Maini (BDS & Author, MCD)
