WITH an increase of people suffering from epilepsy in the region, an awareness campaign was held at eNseleni Community Hall on Thursday.to assist those affected.
The programme was headed by members of the Lower uMfolozi War Memorial Regional Hospital (LUWMRH), with the purpose of conveying the information to a larger audience, especially those living in townships and rural areas.
‘People don’t know that epilepsy can be manged and prevent patients from being disabled,’ said speech therapist Lilian Mbatha.
Residents were also educated on what not to do and how they can assist apatients.
‘We want to educate people not to insert objects inside patients’ mouths during an epileptic attack. This can be dangerous and must be avoided.
‘Another problem is that people don’t take it seriously, but they should visit their clinics and doctors when they experience it in order to be monitored,’ said speech therapist Shaylene Mile.
‘ Epilepsy can damage your brain if it is neglected and have an impact on the development of a child,’ she said.
Ten things one should know about epilepsy
• A seizure disorder is epilepsy
• People with epilepsy are seldom brain damaged
• Sufferers are not usually cognitively challenged
• They are not crazy or violent
• They are not mentally ill
• Epilepsy is not necessarily inherited
• Epilepsy is not a life-long disorder
• It is not a curse
• Epilepsy should not be a barrier to success
• People with epilepsy are not ‘epileptics’.
What to do when someone is having an epileptic fit
1. Stay calm
2. Look around – is the person in a dangerous place? If not, don’t move them. Move objects like furniture away from them.
3. Note the time the seizure starts
4. Stay with them. If they don’t collapse but seem blank or confused, gently guide them away from any danger. Speak quietly and calmly
5. Cushion their head with something soft if they have collapsed to the ground
6. Don’t hold them down
7. Don’t put anything in their mouth
8. Check the time again. If a convulsive (shaking) seizure doesn’t stop after 5 minutes, call for an ambulance
9. After the seizure has stopped, put them into the recovery position and check that their breathing is returning to normal. Gently check their mouth to see that nothing is blocking their airway such as food or false teeth. If their breathing sounds difficult after the seizure has stopped, call for an ambulance
10. Stay with them until they are fully recovered
If they are injured, or they have another seizure without recovering fully from the first seizure, call for help
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
