Get more aware on Epilepsy

Living with epilepsy can be disabling, but with treatments there is still hope.

The wrong notions and misconceptions harboured by people about epilepsy dates back to thousands of years. This misinformation has led to discrimination, stigma and lack of treatment for many people affected by epilepsy. People have compromised on their ability to work and also on their social life. The stigma is so predominant that people diagnosed with epilepsy feel ashamed to even talk about their illness and do not open up in the public domain. The stigma becomes a burden and also becomes a hindrance to the individual in seeking treatment for his or her condition. The overall physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of the individual is totally disrupted and ultimately takes a toll on their quality of life or rather life itself.

In the diagnosis of epilepsy, history of the patient is very important. Abnormal activity in the brain is the cause of epilepsy.

RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

Confusion that may be temporary confusion Staring Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs

Loss of consciousness or awareness Psychological symptoms such as fear, anxiety or a strange feeling.

Try and make the person lie on the floor comfortably. DR ABHISHEK GUPTA, Neurosurgeon, KRM Hospital, Lucknow

A FEW THINGS YOU CAN DO TO ASSIST SOMEONE WHO IS HAVING A SEIZURE:

Try and make the person lie on the floor comfortably. Turn the person gently onto one side. This will help the person breathe. Remove any hard or sharp objects that might be in the way so as to prevent any injury.

Put something soft and flat under his or her head. Take off his or her spectacles. Loosen ties or anything around the neck that may make it hard to breathe. Time the seizure. Call the doctor if seizure lasts for more than 5 minutes.

PHOTO: HTCS