By REGINALD KANYANE
North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha said epilepsy is the fourth common neurological disorder and it affects people of all ages. Sambatha who commemorated International Epilepsy Day, said it is pivotal to promote awareness.
“Epilepsy is a disorder in which nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed, causing seizures. It may occur as a result of a genetic disorder or an acquired brain injury, such as a trauma or stroke.
“The International Epilepsy Day is a special event which promotes awareness of epilepsy in more than 130 countries each year. Every year on the second Monday of February, people join together to acknowledge and highlight the problems faced by people with epilepsy, their families and carers,” he said.
Sambatha highlighted that during a seizure, a person experiences abnormal behaviour, symptoms and sensations, sometimes including loss of consciousness. He further said there are few symptoms between seizures.
“Epilepsy is usually treated by medication and in some cases by surgery, devices or dietary changes. There are estimated 65 million people around the world who are living with epilepsy.
“Epilepsy affects 1 in every 100 people in South Africa. It is approximately half a million of South Africans based on a total estimated population of 59.31 (2020) million. The following simple facts may assist to combat stigma and prejudice against people living with the epileptic condition and raise awareness,” said Sambatha.
He encouraged people to never force something into the mouth of someone having a seizure. Sambatha added that forcing something into the mouth of someone having a seizure is a good way to chip teeth, cut gums, or even break someone’s jaw.
“The national epilepsy awareness week starts from 8–14 February with an intention to raise awareness and educate our society about this neurological problem affecting a sizeable chunk of our population.
“Therefore, it is important to learn to assist and live with people suffering from epileptic conditions beyond this period and arm ourselves with necessary information to understand and deal with it,” he concluded.
The Guardian 