Epilepsy Awareness SA hosts talk at Deutsche Internationale Schule

Epilepsy Awareness SA held an educational talk at the Deutsche Internationale Schule (DSJ) in Parktown on 15 June in preparation for National Epilepsy Week from 21 to 27 June.

Epilepsy Awareness SA hosted the talk at the DSJ in order to educate both teachers and children about epilepsy and how to help someone who may have a seizure. Medi Response was also present to show children and teachers what to do and what not to do in the event of a seizure.

Linda Dias Menezes, the co-founder of Epilepsy Awareness SA said there are often some misconceptions about epilepsy. “We highlight what epilepsy is because some people often think it is contagious as though it can be caught, like the flu, and that’s not true,” said Dias Menezes.

READ: Did you know it’s National Epilepsy Week?

She said they have paramedics to demonstrate what to do if someone has a seizure. The talks also help highlight the different types of seizures one might have and how to react to them. For example, if a student has an absence seizure a teacher might think it is just a student not paying attention. However, Dias Menezes said that students and teachers are shown how to identify these.

“I was very surprised by their reaction; the students were amazing and really paid attention. So many students wanted to find out more about epilepsy,” she said.

Jamaine Krige, the spokesperson for Medi Response, said that the correct first aid can make a big difference. “It can be a very scary situation. However, what you don’t do, can be as important as what you do, do.”

For example, restraining someone who is having a seizure or putting something in their mouth can be dangerous. Krige said that it is important to identify any hazards for yourself and the person suffering from the seizure and to try and remove them. She also added that noticing when the seizure starts and ends can be useful information to a paramedic.

A segment from the day was also broadcast on SABC 2. The hour-long show highlighted the work that Epilepsy Awareness SA does and how they work to continue to raise awareness for the organisation. Dias Menezes and the other co-founder of the organisation Maximilian Van Heerden discussed how their roles in the organisation. Van Heerden, who is now 13, often raises awareness in his community with organised walks, presentations at schools and he volunteers at the Rand Epileptic Employment Association Care Centre.

The campaign organiser for Epilepsy Awareness SA, Tania Van Heerden said, “Our biggest concern is the stigma attached to epilepsy and people feel so ashamed. People in schools and in corporate envoronments are having seizures and havent mentioned this condition to anyone so no one knows what to do and this is the danger.” She also added,”We want people to come out and tell people they have it and if anything happens this is what you should do.”

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