Epilepsy is a non-contagious brain disorder that causes repetitive and unprovoked seizures. A seizure is a temporary episode of uncontrollable, electrical activity in the brain that can affect a person’s mental and physical health. Approximately 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, which makes it one of the most common neurological diseases around the globe. Unfortunately, in many parts of the world, people diagnosed with epilepsy and their families are shamed or discriminated against because of their condition. This is why it is important to bring awareness to the reality of what it is like to have epilepsy.
Common symptoms that can lead up to someone having seizures are periods of short-term confusion, stiff muscles, jerking movements in arms and/or legs, loss of consciousness, or psychological symptoms such as anxiety or déjà vu. Less common symptoms of epilepsy are unusual feelings or sensations such as strange smells, numbness or tingling, or changes in vision. Other unusual behaviors are excessive fidgeting or walking around unaware of what you are doing. Seizures usually last about a few minutes or seconds, then it will stop by itself. It’s common to be aware of the fact you’re having a seizure while it’s happening and to remember it after, but it’s just as common to not remember anything after it happens. It is very important to remember that having only a single seizure usually does not mean you have epilepsy. Epilepsy is usually only diagnosed if seizures happen two times or more 24 hours apart without a clear cause.
Although many fundamental disease mechanisms can lead to epilepsy, the cause of epilepsy is still unknown in about 50% of cases globally. Though, some examples of causes are known.
Some causes of epilepsy can be a head injury from the past, a brain tumor, or an infection in the brain such as meningitis or encephalitis. Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges, which are the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Another infection in the brain that can cause epilepsy is Encephalitis, which is the inflammation of the brain. Both of these can be caused by bacteria. More causes of epilepsy can be injury before birth or genetic influence.
Seizures can be managed. Up to 70% of people living with epilepsy spend their life with barely any seizures. This could be achieved by taking appropriate usage of antiseizure medication.
It is usually alright to stop taking antiseizure medications if seizures stop over a time period of two years. Estimates state that 25% cases of epilepsy have potential to be prevented. Examples of how to prevent epilepsy are avoiding head injuries, maintaining a healthy sleep schedule and weight, managing stress, and avoiding taking drugs or alcohol.
Foundations that Advocate for epilepsy awareness are Epilepsy Alliance America, American Epilepsy Society, and Epilepsy Leadership Council. Epilepsy Alliance America is a national organization that strives to provide support, care, and services to people with epilepsy. The American Epilepsy Society is a professional medical society fixated on researching and educating epilepsy, as they also focus on improving healthcare for people with epilepsy. The Epilepsy Leadership Council is a group of many organizations, health professionals, and advocates working together to improve care for people with epilepsy.
In conclusion, it is very important that people work in foundations like these or celebrate awareness days/months so efforts are made to educate people on the conditions others struggle with so the people that are struggling know that they are seen and heard. Spreading awareness on topics like these can create safe spaces and reduce discrimination against people with health conditions once the people who discriminated against them see the struggles they face. It also inspires people to create their own causes to support awareness of health conditions. Such as charities/fund raisers that use the money gained to donate it to hospitals, research organizations, etc.
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