Ekurhuleni commemorates International Epilepsy Day
He added that communities need to stand together and support those with this condition. After all, it takes a village to raise a child.
International Epilepsy Day is commemorated every year on the second Monday of February and is used to raise awareness about epilepsy all around the globe.
The Ekurhuleni metro encouraged people on February 10 to join forces, observe and highlight the plight of people with epilepsy, their families and caregivers.
Epilepsy is a brain condition that causes seizures.
It is one of the most common disorders of the nervous system.
It affects children and adults.
A seizure occurs when one or more parts of the brain has a burst of abnormal electrical signals that interrupt normal brain signals.
ALSO READ:
Hospice East Rand cares for ill patients and their families
Anything that interrupts the normal connections between nerve cells in the brain can cause a seizure.
Epilepsy can develop at any age and it is not always easy to spot, especially in the case of the young ones. Therefore, parents/guardians are advised to look out for some of the general symptoms or warning signs of seizures:
• Stiffening of the body
• Breathing problems
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Falling suddenly for no apparent reason, especially when associated with loss of consciousness
• Not responding to noise or words for brief periods
• Periods of rapid blinking and staring
Ekurhuleni metro spokesperson Themba Gadebe urged residents to be wary of these red flags and consult a health practitioner as soon as possible so they can start with treatment once diagnosed.
“It is normal for parents/guardians to be worried or concerned when they realise their children are epileptic, but it is better to treat it as early as possible.”
