Every year, National Epilepsy Day is celebrated in India on November 17 by the Epilepsy Foundation. The day as the name suggests is meant to raise awareness about the brain disorder. Different ways such as seminars, debates, stage events, etc. are organised to spread awareness and educate people about epilepsy. The day is also used as an opportunity to propagate the treatment methods of the disease.  According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 5 million people worldwide suffer from epilepsy, of which eighty percent live in developing countries. Epilepsy can be treated, yet three-quarters of those affected in developing countries have not received the necessary treatment. About one million people in India suffer from epileptic seizures and for some of them, the taboo related to the disease makes it even worse.

History And Significance Of National Epilepsy Day 2019

Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic diseases in India. However, what makes the situation even worse are the superstitious believe and taboo associated with the disease.  Epilepsy is generally a neurological brain disease, the treatment of which is now easily available. On November 17, National Epilepsy Day is celebrated across the country to make various information related to the disease easily available to the people. Epilepsy, which is a disease associated with the nerves of the brain is not very well understood by most people in India.

What Is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a chronic disease of the brain nerves, which is characterised by recurrent seizures. Excessive, sudden and abnormal electrical communication in neurons (brain cells) results in the person becoming unconscious. This disease can affect a person of any age and the person suffering from this disease can various kinds of problems. Health conditions like high fever or hypoglycaemia can cause seizures and not just epilepsy. However, having two or more unprovoked seizures in one’s lifetime is a major indicator.

Epilepsy Symptoms

  • Sudden session, that can be described as a wobbling or fluttering session that causes uncontrolled trembling and shaking of hands and feet

  • Fainting

  • Pin or needle pricking sensation in the hands or feet

  • Tightness in the muscles of hands and feet or face

Epilepsy can be treated via drugs and surgery or a combination of the two. However, the disease does require continuous treatment. Sometimes the treatment of this disease can last for about three to five years. Generally, about 60 percent of epilepsy patients become healthy after taking medicine for 3-5 years. Surgery is necessary for the rest 30 percent of the patients. Amongst epilepsy patients, a change of voice, dizziness, tongue twitching has been seen very often.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 16, 2019 05:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).