Every year, March 26th is observed as Purple Day. It is a global initiative dedicated to epilepsy awareness. It was started in 2008 by Cassidy Megan, an eight-year-old from Canada, who wanted to break the stigma around epilepsy and help those living with the condition feel less alone. Since then, Purple Day has grown into a worldwide movement, encouraging conversations about epilepsy and promoting better understanding of the condition.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects the brain and causes recurrent seizures. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 50 million people worldwide live with epilepsy, making it one of the most common brain disorders. Seizures happen due to sudden electrical activity in the brain, leading to symptoms like brief confusion, uncontrolled body movements, or even loss of consciousness.
Causes of epilepsy may vary from person to person, says Dr Pooja Anand, Associate Consultant, Neurology, Paras Health, Gurugram. “It can be due to genetics, brain injuries, infections, or strokes. It can affect anyone, but it’s more common in children and older adults. The good news is that up to 70 percent of cases can be managed with proper treatment. However, in many parts of the world, lack of awareness, stigma, and limited access to medical care prevent people from getting the help they need,” adds Dr Anand.
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Timely diagnosis and treatment, she says, is critical for this condition. "Epilepsy is a neurological condition that affects millions in India, yet it remains widely misunderstood. We see over a thousand cases every year, and many patients delay seeking treatment due to fear and misinformation,” she says, adding that medical advancements have made epilepsy highly manageable.
“With the right medication, nearly 70 percent of epilepsy cases can be controlled.
For those who don’t respond to medication, alternative treatments like dietary therapy, neuromodulation devices, and even surgery offer hope,” Dr Anand says.
The biggest challenge, she says, is the stigma attached to this condition. “Many patients stop taking their medication out of fear of judgment, which increases their risk of severe seizures. Spreading awareness and encouraging people to stick to their treatment, can help reduce the number of cases,” she cautions.
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Symptoms of epilepsy:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), common symptoms of epilepsy include sudden, uncontrollable jerking movements in the arms and legs, staring spells or brief confusion, and loss of awareness or consciousness. Some people experience tingling, dizziness, or visual distortions, while others may show repetitive behaviors like lip-smacking or blinking.
Tips to manage and prevent seizures:
- Medication: Take your prescribed medication regularly and don’t skip doses. Sticking to your treatment plan is vital in preventing seizures and maintaining stability.
- Proper sleep and stress management: Get enough sleep and manage stress, as both can trigger seizures. Lack of sleep and high stress levels can increase seizure frequency, so prioritizing rest and relaxation is essential.
- Diet and hydration: Eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated. Proper nutrition supports overall brain health and reduces the risk of seizure triggers.
- Habits: Avoid excessive alcohol and recreational drugs. These substances can interfere with medications and increase the likelihood of seizures.
- Avoid injury: Protect your head during activities that could cause injury. Head trauma can be a major risk factor for epilepsy, so wearing helmets and taking safety precautions can help prevent complications.
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