The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Epilepsy Awareness Expo dispels myths, holds talks and contests

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Nov 27, 2007
ePaper

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Epilepsy Awareness Expo dispels myths, holds talks and contests

Staff Reporter

— Photo: M. Vedhan

RAISING AWARENESS: Commissioner of Police G. Nanchil Kumaran looking at posters providing information about epilepsy at the Epilepsy Awareness Expo in the city on Saturday. Founder of EPICENTTRE Prithika Chary is in the picture.

CHENNAI: National Epilepsy Day on November 17 was marked by competitions for children and the coming together of concerned women in the city on Saturday.

The Epilepsy Institute and Centre for Treatment, Training, Research and Education (EPICENTTRE), founded by neurophysician and neurosurgeon Prithika Chary, had organised an Epilepsy Awareness Expo, in association with the FICCI Ladies Organisation and the Duchess Club.

One of 150 people in the world has epilepsy, said Dr. Chary.

Onset is commonly at an early age and more than 60 per cent of cases were of unknown origin, she said. South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes is a famous sportsperson who lives with epilepsy, she pointed out.

Commissioner of Police G. Nanchil Kumaran felicitated Dr. Chary for her selfless service, and recalled moments that showed him that several needy people simply required a friend and appropriate counselling.

Poster exhibition

An exhibition of posters was on display at the Corporation Community Hall on Luz Avenue, behind Nageswara Rao Park, to dispel common myths on seizures and epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a chronic condition that can be controlled by medication.

Seizures rarely last longer than two minutes, and a person having a seizure should have their head cushioned and tight clothing around the neck loosened. They should not be given anything orally or restrained in any way, except to prevent harm to themselves.

Epileptic women can marry and have a normal pregnancy with minimal medication, according to the posters.

Talks on epilepsy, stalls displaying information on the subject, an essay competition titled ‘Epilepsy and Me’ for youngsters between 15 and 25 years, a painting competition on the theme ‘Joy/Confidence/Courage/Hope’ for 5- to 15 year-old children were part of the expo.

Representatives of Medha Mind Enhancement Co. (P) Ltd., an organisation using neuro feedback to provide a non-surgical, non-pharmacological treatment option for epilepsy, participated.

Nina Reddy of the Duchess Club said that the club was an association of like-minded, aware, positive thinking women who have been involved in several social empowerment initiatives.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Tamil Nadu