Romania Kistensamy

November is the National Epilepsy awareness month.  Epilepsy sometimes known as seizures is the fourth most common neurological condition and affects people of all ages with wide ranges of seizures that varies from one person to another.  This disorder can lead to other health conditions.  According to Epilepsy South Africa, 1 in every 100 people are affected in South Africa.

Epileptic seizures affect various parts of the body but the electrical current that starts the symptoms begins the brain.  The impact on the individual depends on the duration of the seizure and how it spreads.

Premla Naidoo has many years of experience with epilepsy.  Naidoo’s son was born with epilepsy and died of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).  SUDEP is often listed as a cause of death, amounting to 7–17% of deaths among those with epilepsy according to the National Centre for Biotechnology Information.

“There is a stigma attached to people with epilepsy.  Similar to that with anyone who is different.  A lack of understanding and information on the condition is a big problem.  This condition is not rare in South Africa.  More needs to be done to raise awareness on epilepsy. There are many myths about how to deal with epilepsy and I would advise people to refrain from all myths.   Education and awareness are crucial to effective treatment and quality of life for epileptic patients,” said Naidoo.

According to Epilepsy South Africa, if you encounter someone having a seizure, it is imperative to remain calm. Stay with the person until the seizure is over and keep a record of the duration of the seizure. Do not try to restrain the person or stop their movements.

Picture: brain and life