Purple Day 2021: Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder affecting people of all ages! But many misunderstandings cause challenges that are often worse than the seizures caused due to the disorder itself.
On Purple Day, March 26th, there is an imperative need to raise awareness about the condition and ensure people with this underlying condition do not hesitate from seeking help, like taking Covid-19 vaccine.
Reluctance towards vaccination does not help in fight against epilepsy too, and SLG Hospitals aims to enhance awareness over seizures, Covid-19, and vaccines.
Commenting on the issue, Dr. Suma Kandukuri, Consultant Neurologist, SLG Hospitals said, “People with epilepsy do not have an increased risk of contracting Covid-19 or developing serious complications from it. However, there is reluctance among epilepsy patients to take vaccine to prevent Covid-19, due to preconceived notions. There is no evidence that persons with epilepsy are at higher risk of side effects after vaccination, and as with any vaccine, some persons may develop a fever which could lower their seizure threshold for the short term.”
“Fevers have been reported as a common side effect after getting the Covid-19 vaccine, because the human immune system is reacting to create immunity in the body. Though some people with epilepsy have seizures that are triggered by fever, the available data about the safety of the Covid-19 vaccines still support vaccination.There are efficient epilepsy medicines that do not interfere with Covid-19 vaccines, and hence, it is important patients do not stop medication, seek right advice from Doctors, and opt for vaccination to ensure India and the World returns to normalcy sooner than later,” added Dr. Suma Kandukuri.
It is important to continue to use all tools to stop this pandemic, such as masking, hand washing, and social distancing even after vaccination. The Covid-19 vaccines are going through the same rigorous safety assessments as have other vaccines, and corners are not being cut. Having belief in scientific and medical fraternity is paramount to tackle ailments and associated complications, including epilepsy.
Here is a list of things that may trigger an epileptic seizure:
- Fever
- Insufficient sleep
- Stress
- Alcohol, caffeine
- Inadequate nutrition
There are multiple reasons that can cause epilepsy, some of these include:
- Stroke
- Vascular diseases
- Lack of oxygen to the brain
- Very high fever
- Serious illness
- Brain Tumour
- Dementia
- Infectious disease like AIDS
- Genetic disorders
- Neurological diseases
Here is a look at things one can follow to make it better:
- Anti-epileptic drugs: These can lessen the number of seizures a person has
- Vagus nerve stimulator: This is a device that is surgically put under the skin on the chest. With this device in place the nerve that runs through the neck is electrically stimulated, which eventually prevents seizures
- Ketogenic Diet: This high fat, low carbohydrate diet has done wonders for people
- Brain Surgery: The process involves removing the affected part of the brain that causes seizures
