National Epilepsy Day: Significance, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Epilepsy Day
National Epilepsy Day is an awareness day held on November 17 each year to highlight the difficulties that people living with epilepsy face. Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder and one of the oldest medical conditions. The condition causes recurrent seizures by temporarily stopping electrical activity in the brain. Although more than 60 million people worldwide suffer from epilepsy, the disease remains stigmatised. The purpose of National Epilepsy Day is to educate the general public about epilepsy and to teach people how to better care for people who have the disorder.
National Epilepsy Day is an awareness day held on November 17 each year to highlight the difficulties that people living with epilepsy face. Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder and one of the oldest medical conditions. The condition causes recurrent seizures by temporarily stopping electrical activity in the brain. Although more than 60 million people worldwide suffer from epilepsy, the disease remains stigmatised. The purpose of National Epilepsy Day is to educate the general public about epilepsy and to teach people how to better care for people who have the disorder.
What Color of Ribbon Used for Epilepsy?
Individuals must be able to relax their brains and nervous systems in order to help prevent seizures. Linalool, the most prominent terpene in lavender, has demonstrated this effect, which is why lavender (or purple) is designated as the official colour of epilepsy. Lavender is also a well-known epilepsy flower throughout the world.
Individuals must be able to relax their brains and nervous systems in order to help prevent seizures. Linalool, the most prominent terpene in lavender, has demonstrated this effect, which is why lavender (or purple) is designated as the official colour of epilepsy. Lavender is also a well-known epilepsy flower throughout the world.
Significance of National Epilepsy Day:
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes seizures in the brain. Doctors believe that an uncontrollable increase in excess electrical activity in the brain impairs normal functions, resulting in a brief interruption in messages travelling back and forth within the brain. This disruption results in epileptic seizures.
Seizures do not affect everyone equally. The symptoms range from rapid blinking of the eyes to someone staring blankly for a few minutes. Some people experience a brief period of confusion. Seizures that are more severe involve a fall to the ground with strong muscle contractions followed by a brief disorientation.
The Epilepsy Foundation of India started the National Epilepsy Day campaign to lower the incidence of epilepsy in India. Dr Nirmal Surya founded the Epilepsy Foundation of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra in 2009. The Epilepsy Foundation of India is a non-profit charitable organisation dedicated to assisting people with seizures in leading fulfilling lives and changing society's perception of epilepsy.
On this day, a variety of seminars, debates, and stage events are held to educate the public about the epilepsy disease and treatment options. Various hospitals also offer free medical care and arrange advisory camps for patients on this day.
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes seizures in the brain. Doctors believe that an uncontrollable increase in excess electrical activity in the brain impairs normal functions, resulting in a brief interruption in messages travelling back and forth within the brain. This disruption results in epileptic seizures.
Seizures do not affect everyone equally. The symptoms range from rapid blinking of the eyes to someone staring blankly for a few minutes. Some people experience a brief period of confusion. Seizures that are more severe involve a fall to the ground with strong muscle contractions followed by a brief disorientation.
The Epilepsy Foundation of India started the National Epilepsy Day campaign to lower the incidence of epilepsy in India. Dr Nirmal Surya founded the Epilepsy Foundation of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra in 2009. The Epilepsy Foundation of India is a non-profit charitable organisation dedicated to assisting people with seizures in leading fulfilling lives and changing society's perception of epilepsy.
On this day, a variety of seminars, debates, and stage events are held to educate the public about the epilepsy disease and treatment options. Various hospitals also offer free medical care and arrange advisory camps for patients on this day.
What is Epilepsy?
The neurological disorder which affects central nervous system which is characterised by abnormal brain activity, which results in seizures or periods of unusual behaviour, sensations, and, in some cases, loss of awareness. Epilepsy can strike anyone. Males and females of all racial groups, different ethnicities, and ages are affected by epilepsy.
The symptoms of seizures can vary greatly. During an epileptic seizure, some people with epilepsy simply stare blankly for a few seconds, while others twitch their arms or legs repeatedly. A single seizure does not imply epilepsy. A diagnosis of epilepsy usually requires at least two unprovoked seizures that occur at least 24 hours apart.
The neurological disorder which affects central nervous system which is characterised by abnormal brain activity, which results in seizures or periods of unusual behaviour, sensations, and, in some cases, loss of awareness. Epilepsy can strike anyone. Males and females of all racial groups, different ethnicities, and ages are affected by epilepsy.
The symptoms of seizures can vary greatly. During an epileptic seizure, some people with epilepsy simply stare blankly for a few seconds, while others twitch their arms or legs repeatedly. A single seizure does not imply epilepsy. A diagnosis of epilepsy usually requires at least two unprovoked seizures that occur at least 24 hours apart.
What are the Symptoms of Epilepsy?
Seizures can impact any operation one's brain coordinates since epilepsy is resulted by abnormal brain activity. Among the signs and symptoms of a seizure are:
Seizures can impact any operation one's brain coordinates since epilepsy is resulted by abnormal brain activity. Among the signs and symptoms of a seizure are:
- Temporary befuddlement
- a spell of staring
- Muscle tenseness
- Uncontrollable arm and leg jerking movements
- consciousness or awareness loss
- Fear, anxiety, or a sense of déjà vu are all examples of psychological symptoms.
Types of Epilepsy Seizures:
Focal Seizures: Focal seizures occur when seizures appear to be caused by abnormal activity in only one area of your brain. These seizures are classified into two types:
Focal Seizures: Focal seizures occur when seizures appear to be caused by abnormal activity in only one area of your brain. These seizures are classified into two types:
- Seizures with no loss of consciousness.
- Focal seizures with impaired awareness.
- Absence Seizures
- Tonic Seizures
- Clonic Seizures
- Atonic Seizures
- Myoclonic Seizures
- Tonic-clonic Seizures
Causes of Epilepsy:
In about half of those who suffer from epilepsy, there is no known cause. In the remaining half, the condition can be attributed to a number of factors, including:
In about half of those who suffer from epilepsy, there is no known cause. In the remaining half, the condition can be attributed to a number of factors, including:
- Genetic influence
- Infections
- Head trauma
- Brain abnormalities
- Prenatal injury
- Infections
- Autism and other developmental brain disorders
- Family-run genetic changes
- Meningitis and other infections of the brain
- Developmental disorders
Risk Factors and Complications Associated with Epilepsy:
Certain factors can increase your chances of developing epilepsy –
Certain factors can increase your chances of developing epilepsy –
- Age
- Family history
- Head injuries
- Brain infections
- Seizures in childhood
- Stroke and other vascular diseases
- Dementia
- Falling
- Drowning
- Car accidents
- Pregnancy complications
- Emotional health issues
Epilepsy Prevention:
Precautionary measures are unknown, but a few preventative measures, such as can be helpful for Epilepsy:
Precautionary measures are unknown, but a few preventative measures, such as can be helpful for Epilepsy:
- Consume a nutritious and healthy diet.
- Maintain a consistent exercise routine.
- Learn how to deal with stress effectively.
- Get enough sleep.
- Avoid using tobacco or alcohol.
- When riding in a vehicle, always wear a seatbelt and a helmet.
- Pregnant women must adhere to proper prenatal care in order for the foetus to develop normally.
Diagnosis of Epilepsy:
After examining the patient, the doctor may recommend or suggest any of the following tests –
After examining the patient, the doctor may recommend or suggest any of the following tests –
- Blood tests
- A neurological exam
- Electroencephalogram (EEG)
- High-density EEG
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Functional MRI (fMRI)
- Positron emission tomography (PET)
- Neuropsychological tests
- Statistical parametric mapping (SPM)
- Electrical source imaging (ESI)
- Magnetoencephalography (MEG)
- Single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT)
Epilepsy Treatment:
The disease of epilepsy is challenging to treat. Medication is usually used to control seizures. Herbal treatments, vitamin and mineral supplements, and dietary changes can all aid in seizure control. Sometimes acupuncture method for treating epilepsy is also used.
Medication: Many persons with epilepsy can achieve seizure-free status with just one anti-seizure medication, also known as anti-epileptic medication. Others who take a combination of medications may be able to reduce the frequency and severity of their seizures.
Many children with epilepsy who do not have seizures can eventually stop taking their medicines and end up living a seizure-free life. Many adults are able to stop taking their prescribed medication after two or more years of no seizures. One’s physician will advise you on the best time to discontinue medication.
Therapies: These potential therapies, in addition to medications and surgery, offer an alternative method of treating epilepsy –
The disease of epilepsy is challenging to treat. Medication is usually used to control seizures. Herbal treatments, vitamin and mineral supplements, and dietary changes can all aid in seizure control. Sometimes acupuncture method for treating epilepsy is also used.
Medication: Many persons with epilepsy can achieve seizure-free status with just one anti-seizure medication, also known as anti-epileptic medication. Others who take a combination of medications may be able to reduce the frequency and severity of their seizures.
Many children with epilepsy who do not have seizures can eventually stop taking their medicines and end up living a seizure-free life. Many adults are able to stop taking their prescribed medication after two or more years of no seizures. One’s physician will advise you on the best time to discontinue medication.
Therapies: These potential therapies, in addition to medications and surgery, offer an alternative method of treating epilepsy –
- Deep brain stimulation
- Responsive neurostimulation
- Vagus nerve stimulation
- Ketogenic diet
Surgery: After medication fails to manage seizures adequately, surgery might be an option. A surgical procedure to remove the region of your brain causing seizures during epilepsy surgery.
Surgery is typically performed when tests reveal that:
- Seizures are triggered by a small, well-defined part of your brain.
- The operation will not interfere with vital functions like speech, language, motor function, vision, or hearing.
National Epilepsy Day Ribbon for Epilepsy Epilepsy Significance of National Epilepsy Day Symptoms of Epilepsy Types of Epilepsy Seizures Causes of Epilepsy Risk Factors and Complications with Epilepsy Epilepsy Prevention Diagnosis of Epilepsy
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