IF YOU EXPERIENCE REPEATED SEIZURE IN A YEAR, IT COULD BE EPILEPSY — MEDICAL EXPERT
REPORTER: EJIOFO UMEGBOGU
As Nigeria joins the world to mark International Purple Day, which centres on awareness about epilepsy, a medical practitioner, Dr. Joseph Elendu, says whenever a person experiences repeated seizure within a year, epilepsy may be suspected.
Dr. Ejindu, who is based in Umuahia, Abia State, explains that epilepsy may occur as a result of a genetic disorder or an acquired brain injury caused by trauma, stroke, meningitis, low blood sugar levels or substance abuse.
“There are around 180,000 new cases of epilepsy each year. About 30% occur in children. Children and elderly adults are the ones most often affected,” he points out.
Dr. Elendu says epileptic patients experience uncontrollable body movements, sudden stiffening and loosening of the muscles or limbs, inability to control eye movements, including rapid blinking, dizziness, unconsciousness and state of confusion.
Also, a neurologist, Dr. Orji Akaji, notes thst constant epilepsy can lead to permanent disability, and urges patients to consult a health professional for diagnosis, treatment or management of the ailment before it causes more damage to the body.
“A seizure can be extremely frightening. However, if you identify the trigger and treat the condition early, you can prevent it from recurring and lead a healthy and safe life,” he adivsed.
International Purple Day is celebrated annually on March 26.
It is a day set aside globally to eliminate common myths and fears related to the neurological disorder that is commonly referred to as epilepsy.
The day also focuses on removing the social stigmas associated with the condition and encouraging people living with it to speak up.
It is called Purple Day based on the colour of Lavanda, which is a flower that is internationally recognized as a symbol of Epilepsy.
According to World Health Organization (WHO), epilepsy is a chronic non-communicable disease of the brain.
About 50 million people are estimated to be affected by this ailment around the world.