Immediately, greater than 50 million individuals worldwide endure from epilepsy. Folks with epilepsy need to face plenty of stigma in society due to the myths surrounding this illness. The stigma downgrades the standard of life and offers deep psychological trauma to the already struggling sufferers. Moreover, lack of information restricts individuals from figuring out tips on how to present first help to anybody affected by seizures.
What’s epilepsy?
In response to Dr Abhishek Juneja, Senior Marketing consultant Neurologist – Maharaja Agrasen Hospital, New Delhi, Dr. Juneja’s Neuro middle, epilepsy is a neurological dysfunction presenting seizures on account of irregular electrical exercise within the mind. It is usually often known as a seizure dysfunction. Not less than two seizure episodes, that aren’t due to every other identified medical situation, are required to make a prognosis of epilepsy.
What are seizures?
Seizures occur due to irregular and extreme electrical exercise within the mind. They might happen due to mind harm, an infection, metabolic derangements, or genetic causes. Many a occasions, the trigger could also be unknown.
The knowledgeable outlines that seizure indicators and signs could embrace:
* A staring spell
* Eye or facial twitching
* Jerky actions of the legs and arms
* Lack of consciousness or consciousness
* Urinary incontinence
* Tongue chew
Signs could differ primarily based on the kind of seizure. Eye or facial twitching, jerky motion of 1 hand or foot could occur in focal seizures. Whereas tonic posturing adopted by jerky actions of all limbs normally occur in generalized seizures.
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First help for seizure
Folks round an individual affected by epilepsy ought to know tips on how to handle seizures. Dr Juneja advises to observe the three S’s
Keep: Stick with the seizing individual till he/she regains consciousness. A typical generalized seizure lasts for a couple of minutes. Name the ambulance instantly to save lots of the essential time.
Secure: Preserve the individual protected. Any sharp objects or objects mendacity within the neighborhood that may injure the affected person, ought to be eliminated. The affected person ought to be positioned in a protected, properly lit, and open area.
Facet: Flip the affected person on one facet after the jerky actions subside. This may stop the tongue from falling again and obstructing the airway, enabling the affected person to breathe comfortably. Loosen the garments across the neck space.
Dr Juneja recommends additionally recommends to keep away from placing or inserting something like a spoon, or wood stick within the mouth of the seizing individual.
Take a look at this video on first help for seizures
Want for epilepsy consciousness
“We must always deliver a distinction to the lives of sufferers affected by epilepsy by spreading extra consciousness about this illness, about first help which may be provided to a seizing affected person, and likewise dispel the myths surrounding this situation,” says Dr Juneja.
With regards to epilepsy remedy, it’s essential to know it may be handled and managed with protected and efficient medicines.
One other key facet is the truth that individuals with epilepsy usually tend to have psychological issues, particularly despair, nervousness, and suicidal ideas.
These issues are as a result of problem confronted by such individuals in coping with the situation.
Myths and misconceptions round epilepsy have survived too lengthy, encouraging the stigma round this situation. Folks have solely progressively began opening up about their sickness.
“If an individual suffers from stigma, it might probably hinder their willingness to hunt remedy. This could additional disrupt the bodily, psychological and emotional well-being of the person,” he provides.
Due to this fact, there’s a want to extend consciousness in regards to the signs, prognosis, and administration of epilepsy in order that the social boundaries to remedy are diminished. Sufferers with epilepsy may also lead a traditional and productive life in the event that they get assist from society.
