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Although epilepsy is quite a common neurological disease, very little is known about it. According to Epilepsy Foundation, one in 26 people will suffer from epilepsy in their lifetime.
Epilepsy affects approximate one million people in the Kenya. This means that there should be more information about the disease than is readily available. But this is not the case.
The general public has very little factual information about epilepsy. Knowledge of the signs and symptoms, treatment and management of the disease as well as how it affects the lives of the patient is very limited.
Epilepsy is a neurological disease which means it affects the brain and causes patients to have recurring seizures. Epilepsy Foundation states that it is considered to be one of the most common severe brain disorders.
While the condition can affect anyone at any age, Kenya Association for the Welfare of People with Epilepsy (KAWE) states that patients can stop having seizures.
Early diagnosis can reduce chances of patients getting seizures, the effects of the seizures, make patients’ lives better and help prevent sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).
History
Epilepsy Awareness Month has been celebrated every November since 1969 in the US and is quickly becoming a global trend. While creating awareness was its main mission, the campaign now focuses on public education in an effort to reduce discrimination against sufferers and debunk myths surrounding this condition. Even though this is a recognised campaign in the US, we as Kenyans can also use this time to support the campaign.
How you can get involved
Just like many other campaigns, Epilepsy Awareness Month has its own colours. You can help spread awareness on the month and campaign by wearing purple.
A simple search of the #EpilepsyAwarenessMonth hashtag will help you get information on epilepsy as well as put you in the know about any events related to the campaign.
The writer is the National Epilepsy Coordination Committee (NECC) national secretary, and an Epilepsy Awareness ambassador
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