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‘Myths surrounding epilepsy need to be dispelled’

CHANDIGARH: The Department of Paediatrics at the PGI here is organising an Epilepsy Awareness Day on Saturday, according to an official spokesman. Epilepsy, popularly known as “Mirgi” in Hindi, is a common disorder characterised by recurring fits, which are disturbances in the electrical activity in the brain. More than 60 per cent of the cases of epilepsy start in childhood.

According to specialists, fits in children are often different from the typical picture seen in adults and can sometimes be missed by parents. The “fit” types range from a momentary disruption of senses, to jerks, loss of consciousness or violent movements that can last for minutes and rarely hours. There is no single cause for epilepsy; however, epilepsy can sometimes be associated with an illness, head injury, neuro-cysticercosis or an abnormal brain development or may be genetic.

It is estimated that one to two per cent of the population has epilepsy, and of those, approximately two-thirds respond well to medical treatment. However, there are lots of myths in the minds of people regarding epilepsy which need to be dispelled, they add.

An educational film on epilepsy along with an interactive session for the parents would be the main highlights of the Awareness Day which would be held from 9-30 a.m. to 1 p.m. A special drawing competition will also be held for children with epilepsy.

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‘Myths surrounding epilepsy need to be dispelled’

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