Epilepsy, a neurological disorder, is a condition in which the affected person faces frequent seizures. The chronic brain disorder can affect people of all ages. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 5 crore people worldwide suffer from epilepsy while 80% of them live in low and middle-income countries. Despite being one of the most common neurological disorders in the world, nearly 70% of the people with the condition can live without seizures with early diagnosis and treatment.
In order to fight against this disorder and to create awareness, National Epilepsy Day is observed in India on November 17, every year.
Types of Epileptic Seizures
There are two primary seizure categories:
Focal Onset Seizures
These are the seizures which start in a particular part or group of cells on one side of the head. Two known types of focal onset seizures are – focal onset aware seizure and focal onset impaired awareness seizure.
While the focal onset aware seizure is characterised by sudden onset when the person is awake and aware, the second type of seizure may result in confusion or loss of consciousness.
Generalised Onset Seizures
These seizures affect widespread cell networks bilaterally. There are six types of generalised onset seizures that include:
Absence Seizures
Atonic Seizures
Tonic Seizures
Clonic Seizures
Tonic-clonic Seizures
Myoclonic Seizures
Symptoms of Epilepsy
The common symptoms of epilepsy include temporary loss of awareness, in voluntary movements, a blank state, uncontrollable muscles, confusion, slow thinking, disturbed sensual perceptions, a stomach upset, and psychic symptoms such as fear, overwhelming experience or hallucination.
Causes of epilepsy
Epilepsy can be caused by various factors such as genetics, head injuries, mesial temporal sclerosis, brain infections, abnormalities of brain condition and vessels, and immune, developmental, and metabolic disorders.
National Epilepsy Day 2023: History and Significance
While World Epilepsy Day is observed on the second Monday of February every year, National Epilepsy Day is observed in India on November 17. The National Epilepsy Day was first observed by the Epilepsy Foundation of India which was established in Mumbai by Dr Nirmal Surya.
National Epilepsy Day Significance
People with epilepsy have an alarmingly higher risk of dying prematurely. Therefore, due to the alarming stats, it is necessary that vital information on the prevention and diagnosis of epilepsy reaches the common people. The day is aimed at raising awareness about this neurological condition while extending support to the patients and their families. The day also marks several events and campaigns to support and fund the research and innovations for the treatment of epilepsy.
National Epilepsy Day 2023 Theme
Every year, the Epilepsy Foundation of India finalises a theme for the day. However, the theme for National Epilepsy Day 2023 is yet to be announced.
(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)
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