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What you should know about epilepsy

Traditionally, the second Monday of February is dedicated to Epilepsy Awareness Month, an annual awareness-raising initiative organised by the International Bureau of Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) to change the perception of the disease in society, raise awareness and support those who face epilepsy on a daily basis.

What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy - is a non-infectious chronic disease with characteristic seizures due to abnormal activity of nerve cells in the brain. Epileptic seizures can manifest as short-term involuntary convulsions in certain parts of the body or affect the entire body, and are sometimes accompanied by temporary loss of consciousness, speech impairment, etc.

According to estimates WHOAccording to the World Health Organization, about 50 million people worldwide live with epilepsy, and up to 70% can control the disease with proper diagnosis and treatment. Epilepsy has no age limit and affects women and men almost equally. One seizure does not mean that it is epilepsy (up to 10% people in the world have only one seizure in their lifetime). In many parts of the world, people with epilepsy and their families suffer from stigma and discrimination.

Why epilepsy occurs

The main causes of the disease include:

  • stroke;
  • tumours or brain injury;
  • certain genetic and neurological diseases;
  • bacterial, viral or parasitic infections.

Unfortunately, there are still misconceptions that this disease imposes limitations on mental capabilities. In fact, epilepsy does not affect a person's intelligence or abilities, but it can significantly limit daily life.

How to help a person during an epileptic seizure

  1. Record the time of the attack.
  2. If possible, turn the person on their side to prevent saliva from entering the airway, but do not restrain them.
  3. Place something soft under your head to avoid injury.
  4. Protect the person from objects around them that could cause harm.
  5. Do not force the person's teeth or put foreign objects in their mouths - they may choke or be further injured.
  6. After the attack, help the person to recover: stay close to them; explain what happened; ask if they need help.
  7. Call an ambulance if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, or is the first time in a person's life, or if the person is injured during the seizure.

How to reduce the risk of developing epilepsy

  1. Prevent head injuries.
  2. Reduce your risk stroke і cardiovascular diseases - Eat right and Be physically active.
  3. Protect your body from infectious diseases, in particular by vaccinations.
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