On 17 November, National Epilepsy Day is observed annually to raise awareness of epilepsy disorder. The Epilepsy Foundation celebrates National Epilepsy Day in India. In order to inform individuals about the epilepsy condition and its therapeutic strategies, numerous workshops, debates, stage activities, etc are held on this day. On this day, different hospitals also provide free care for patients and organize consultation camps.

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological condition marked by signs and symptoms such as seizures, temporary agitation, a spell of staring, lack of consciousness, panic, anxiety, etc. There is no identified cause of epilepsy affecting individuals of any age, sex, or geographical association. However, doctors agree that certain factors may possibly lead to the onset of the disease, including genetic effects, head trauma, prenatal injury, autism, etc.

How to Identify Epilepsy?

Epileptic seizures need to occur suddenly and unexpectedly to find out whether you have it or not. Reflex epilepsy syndrome requires a target to be controlled and a seizure to occur.

For instance:

• Kids that suffer from the problem can be prone to hyperventilation.
• Individuals suffering from primary reading epilepsy encounter difficulties when reading.
• Individuals with sensitive epilepsy can suffer attacks from flashing lights.
• Symptoms of Epilepsy
• Loss of consciousness
• Arms, legs, or face muscles become rigid.
• Various kinds of stimuli, such as pricking pins or needles in the arms or legs.
• Sudden twitching (uncontrollable movements of the arms and legs jerking etc)
• Stiffness of arms or leg muscles or face muscles

For patients, some tips:

• Take epilepsy drugs daily, even though you do not have seizures, as recommended by a doctor.
• Do not discontinue drugs without advice from your physicians.
• Consult the doctor to prevent potential side effects or other risks when taking any other drugs.
• Do not drink alcohol as seizures are provoked.

Causes of Epilepsy

• Brain damage caused by prenatal and perinatal wounds
• Congenital defects
• Cerebral Diseases
• Tumors of the Stroke and Brain
• Accidents/ Head Injury
• A prolonged high fever during infancy

Why is National Epilepsy Day Celebrated?

The National Epilepsy day is making people aware of Epilepsy. Many research centers and organizations are making an effort towards curing the disease. The social activists are working towards improving the health of patients. They are also ensuring that they participate in every activity of daily life. The foundation/organization will also make an effort that the society and community value and respect all the patients. Important things to remember about this day are:

• The goal of having a dedicated National Epilepsy Day is to set up, at no cost, awareness, and identification camps at different locations across the country.
• Education for diagnosing and treating epilepsy will be given.
• Different forms of epilepsy are caused by multiple factors, such as reading, bright light, intense cold, etc so recognizing the cause will help prevent seizure onset.
• A lot of work is being directed at finding causes and treatments for epilepsy around the globe, and this day is aimed at spreading awareness of that.

How to Celebrate National Epilepsy Day

It is very convenient to celebrate National Epilepsy Day. Learn about epilepsy, its symptoms, and how to treat it. Ask people who have had epilepsy to speak about their opinions and symptoms of the Raise consciousness among individuals about this controllable condition and better let them know about epilepsy. On social media, share your views and feelings about epilepsy using the hashtag #EpilepsyDay.condition.