National Epilepsy Day 2021: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. The condition leads to unusual behaviour, sensations, loss of awareness, and abnormal motor activity.
Statistically, one in a hundred people develop this disorder, and it is more common among young children and older people. November 17 is observed as National Epilepsy Day in India to raise awareness about the condition. Knowing the symptoms, causes, and ways to mitigate the condition is essential.
Statistically, one in a hundred people develop this disorder, and it is more common among young children and older people. The Epilepsy Foundation of India started a nationwide campaign to reduce the prevalence of this disease in the country.
People are most likely to develop epilepsy if they have suffered from head injuries, heart diseases that can restrict the flow of oxygen to the brain, brain disorders like dementia, stroke or occurrence of seizures when they were young. It can also be caused due to illicit drugs, brain tumours or bleeding in the brain.
People with epilepsy are likely to experience behavioural changes minutes or hours before a seizure. Additionally, the condition may provoke the individual to be apprehensive, aggressive, agitated, inattentive, and hyperactive. Some children with epilepsy can suffer from stress from the fact that they might have a seizure in front of their friends or loved ones. It can cause them to act out, withdraw from social situations, become socially dysfunctional, anxious, and depressed.
While epilepsy is the result of electrical reactions taking place inside the brain, having seizures at times can lead to certain dangerous circumstances such as falling, injuring your body or head, drowning while you swim. It is recommended that people suffering from active epilepsy should not drive, swim or engage in similar activity that can endanger their lives or the lives of others. Adequate and regular sleep is essential. Thus, consulting your doctor and timely medical intervention is advisable.