In commemoration of the 2025 world epilepsy day, Neurologist from the department of pediatrics observed the day with a sensitization campaign. 26th of March each year is marked as world epilepsy day and this year’s campaign is tagged with the theme “STANDING UP TO SEIZURE” .
Epilepsy is said to be a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures that affects the brain’s electrical activity caused by stroke, genetics, head trauma, infections and brain tumors.
It’s symptoms include seizures, auras , fatigue, fever headache etc.
On the 26th of March 2008,the purple day for epilepsy was initiated and ever since then, it has been a day set aside to create awareness and sensitize the world on the causes, symptoms and prevention of epilepsy.
Speaking with the UPTH media team, the consultant neurologist, in charge of Paediatrics neurology, Dr. Gabriel Job said Epilepsy is one of the common neurologic disorders seen in the clinic. Stating that part of the reason for commemorating the day is to sensitize the public against stigmatization. Citing common local believe with instances where children are tagged evil or possessed by an evil spirit, to be the cause of their problem.
“We are trying to create that awareness that the child is not evil, but the child is ill and needs to be treated” , Dr. Job said.
Emphasizing on the theme “standing up to seizure” , Dr. Job said with this awareness people should ensure th if an incident (convulsion) occurs around them at home, school, or anywhere, is to remove things around the perimeter of the child that could endanger the child’s life, lie the child in a comfortable position, preferably by the side. Avoid putting/ forcing sticks, spoons into the childs mouth, or applying obnoxious substances like crude oil, onion, palm kernel oil which can endanger the child’s life.
Since the start of the purple day for epilepsy 2008, Neurologist have continued to observe the day to raise awareness
that there are provisions of medical treatment, if only the children are brought to the hospital.
To always assist children having seizure or convulsion with the needed love , support and care instead of stigmatization.
Epilepsy is not a killer disease, neither is it contagious but an illness that is treatable with appropriate medical examination and intervention.
The aim of this year’s observance of world epilepsy day is to “stand up to seizure” and together fight the stigma and burden of Epilepsy.
