Understanding Purple Day: Shedding Light on Epilepsy and Seizures
March 26th marks Purple Day, an international initiative aimed at raising awareness about epilepsy and showing support for individuals living with this neurological condition. On this day, communities unite, donning shades of purple and participating in various events to educate, advocate, and dispel myths surrounding epilepsy and seizures.
Epilepsy, a condition affecting millions globally, is characterised by recurrent seizures. These seizures occur due to sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain, manifesting in a range of symptoms from subtle to severe. While epilepsy can affect anyone at any age, it's crucial to shed light on its impact, particularly on children.
For parents, caregivers, and educators, understanding seizures in children is paramount. Childhood seizures come in various forms, each presenting unique challenges. Here's a brief overview:
Febrile Seizures: These seizures typically occur in infants and young children and are triggered by fever. While frightening to witness, febrile seizures are usually harmless and don't cause long-term damage.
Absence Seizures: Commonly known as petit mal seizures, these brief episodes cause a child to stare blankly into space or engage in repetitive movements. They often go unnoticed or mistaken for daydreaming, but their frequency can affect a child's learning and attention.
Tonic-Clonic Seizures: Formerly called grand mal seizures, these are the most well-known types. They involve loss of consciousness, and stiffening of the body (tonic phase), followed by jerking movements (clonic phase). Tonic-clonic seizures can be frightening, especially for children and bystanders.
Understanding how to recognise and respond to seizures in children is crucial. Here are some essential steps:
Stay Calm: Seeing a child experience a seizure can be distressing, but staying calm is essential. Most seizures are brief and resolve on their own.
Ensure Safety: Clear the area around the child of any hazards to prevent injury during the seizure. Place a soft object under their head to cushion it if they're lying down.
Time the Seizure: Note the duration of the seizure. If it lasts longer than five minutes or if it's the child's first seizure, seek medical help immediately.
Reassure and Comfort: After the seizure ends, reassure the child and provide comfort. They may feel confused or tired afterwards, so offer support as needed.
Purple Day serves as a reminder of the importance of awareness, understanding, and support for individuals living with epilepsy, especially children. By educating ourselves and others about epilepsy and seizures, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all. Let's paint the world purple and stand in solidarity with those affected by epilepsy.