November is observed as National Epilepsy Month

The month of November is considered as National Epilepsy Month in India.

On this occasion, Pune based NGO, Sanvedna working towards spread awareness on Epilepsy, it’s treatment shares some Do’s and Don’ts of Epilepsy!

Yashoda Wakankar from Sanvedna Pune shares in detail about what you should do, and what you should not do if someone gets an epileptic seizure.

Epilepsy Support Group was founded by Yashoda Wakankar in February 2004. National Epilepsy Day is celebrated on November 17 every year.

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What is Epilepsy ?

Epilepsy is a brain disorder which is characterised by seizures that can affect a variety of mental & physical functions. A seizure happens when a brief, strong surge of electrical activity affects part or all of the brain.

Do’s in Epilepsy :

To aid someone having a seizure, take these steps:

1. Keep calm.
2. Prevent the person from injuring himself / herself.
3. Block the fall of the person onto the ground.
4. Loosen their belt, necktie, or other tight clothing, remove the spectacles.
5. Cushion their head.
6. Clear away any sharp or hard objects.
7. When the seizure is over, turn them on their side to prevent choking.
8. After the seizures stop, turn the patient to a side and wipe the froth from his mouth.
9. Assure him/ her that you are there to take care. Assure him/her not to worry. (It helps a lot! I have experienced this during the seizures!)

Don’ts in Epilepsy :

1. Do not panic and do not be afraid!!!
2. Do not insert a spoon or any such articles into the mouth.
3. Do not restrict convulsive movements as it may cause fracture.
4. Do not try to insert a gag in the mouth; it may cause difficulty in breathing and also hurt the helpers fingers.
5. Do not crowd around the patient.
6. Do not give water or any other liquid till he/she is fully conscious.
7. Do not try and physically hold the person, this may injure both the person and the helper.
8. Do not give an onion or a shoe to smell. That is absolutely a misunderstanding.
9. Medical aid is usually not required. The duration of the seizure is usually not more than 2 minutes after which the person could feel sleepy or tired. But if a person is not okay for more than 15 minutes, then call an ambulance.[ad id=’11454′]

Sanvedana aims to increase awareness in the society about Epilepsy as a disorder of the nervous system, and strives to improve the quality of life of people affected with seizure disorders and their care givers. With the motto of Educate, Encourage and Empower we aim to involve the masses in our endeavour to dispel the social stigma and myths associated with Epilepsy.

To know more about Sanvedna can be contacted on :
[email protected]
Every Wednesday from 4:00 PM at Niwara Ashram in Navi Peth, Pune.