International Epilepsy Awareness Day: What you need to know about the disease and how to help a person during an attack

On February 10, International Epilepsy Awareness Day is celebrated in more than 130 countries around the world. This date is designed to draw attention to one of the most common neurological diseases, which, despite the modern possibilities of medicine, is still shrouded in myths and stereotypes.According to the World Health Organization, about 1 million people in Ukraine have epilepsy, however, due to lack of awareness and fear of diagnosis, many patients do not seek help. At the same time, 70% of people with epilepsy can completely control the disease thanks to the right treatment. In order to increase the level of knowledge about epilepsy and to form a tolerant attitude towards people with this diagnosis, OO "Epiprosvyta" explains what you need to know about the disease, what myths accompany it and how to act correctly during an attack.

What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease that can occur in people of any age. It manifests itself in seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Attacks can be accompanied by convulsions, temporary loss of consciousness, impaired speech or sensitivity.

5 facts about epilepsy

1. Epilepsy is a neurological, not a psychiatric disease that does not affect a person's intellectual abilities.
2. It is impossible to "get infected" with epilepsy from a person who has seizures.
3. Do not put any objects in a person's mouth during an attack. It is impossible to swallow the tongue, but inserting objects into the mouth can injure a person or block air access.
4. People with this disease are outwardly no different from others.
5. It is not necessary to hold a person during an attack - the main thing is to ensure his safety by placing something soft under his head and removing dangerous objects around him.

Source: freepik

How to help a person during an epileptic seizure?

1. Record the time of onset of the attack.
2. Make sure that nothing threatens the person: remove sharp objects, move him away from dangerous surfaces.
3. Put something soft under your head - this will help avoid injuries.
4. Do not insert foreign objects into the mouth and do not try to open the jaws.
5. Do not hold the person and do not restrain convulsions - this can cause additional injuries.
6. After the attack, help the person to recover: stay close, explain what happened, ask if he needs help.
7. Call an ambulance (103) if:

• the attack lasts longer than 5 minutes;
• the person was injured during the fall;
• attacks are repeated without a break;
• this is the first attack in life.

Correct actions can save a life. If you want to learn more about epilepsy, its treatment and patient rights, visit the site OO "Epiprosvita" or ask for help from specialists.