The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Talismans, iron objects can't fight epilepsy

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Nov 26, 2004

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Talismans, iron objects can't fight epilepsy

By Our Staff Reporter

CHENNAI, NOV. 25. "It has nothing to do with Satan or the spirits," declared Jessima, an epilepsy patient, as she countered common misconceptions that have led to the use of iron objects, holy threads and talismans.

This middle-aged mother of five, whose children are also epileptic, was sharing her experiences with a gathering of patients and their families in an education programme at the Stanley Medical College on World Epilepsy Day on Saturday.

For ages, the mistaken association of the association with mental disorders or evil spirits has been a stumbling block for patients from getting proper treatment. Even today, a variety of rituals are performed to control epilepsy.

Rituals followed

In a 2004 study on belief-based rituals and their relevance in comprehensive epilepsy management, M. Dhanaraj and A. Jayavelu of the Department of Neurology, Stanley Medical College, found that 50 per cent of the surveyed patients performed rituals ranging from exorcism and tying `thayathu' (a small metal cylinder containing a sheet of copper on which a `mantra' is written) around the neck, loins or arm to wearing a holy thread or a `kapu' (metal ring) on the wrist.

Most of the patients who practised these rituals were from suburban towns and rural areas. The average delay in seeking medical treatment was 26 months. During seizures, patients were made to hold keys, chains or rods, instead of first aid being given. Neurologists at the Stanley Medical College say the patient should be turned to his left, and the seizure allowed to run its course. People should not be allowed to crowd around the patient.

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