Knowing more about epilepsy
Kwatsaduza – From May 16 to 24 is National Epilepsy Week and this is a time which has been set aside by the Department of Health to create awareness of the condition/disease in the communy.
Gauteng Department of Health spokesman Steve Mabona explains that during this time, the education about the disease is carried out by health workers to help improve the understanding of the community.
He explains the condition by saying: “Epilepsy can be defined as a medical condition or disorder caused by excessive electrical activity in the brain.
“The symptom of epilepsy includes recurring seizures and people prone to it are people with head injuries and brain injury at birth.
“About 35% of all cases of epilepsy have no clearly definable cause.”
Mabona adds that there are a few types of epileptic disorders, such as juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, which are inherited.
When asked what treatment people with epilepsy take, Mabona explains that the treatment will be prescribed by the doctors according to the individual’s needs; however it is important for people to know that it is a long-term treatment.
“We strongly encourage people with epilepsy to eat normal healthy food and that they should avoid alcohol and drugs.
“If you see or come across someone suffering from an epileptic attack, lie them on their side, keep their head supported and away dangerous objects, do not insert anything in their mouth, make sure the airway is not obstructed and leave them until the fit is done,” he says.
When helping someone after a seizure it is important to check if the person has injuries and to turn the person onto their side when the seizure ends and the person is more relaxed. If the person is having trouble breathing, call for emergency help.
Also try to loosen tight clothing around the person’s neck, provide a safe area where the person can rest, and stay with the person until he or she is awake and familiar with the surroundings.
