On March 26, people worldwide celebrate World Purple Day, also called Epilepsy Awareness Day, to increase awareness about epilepsy, a neurological disorder that causes recurring seizures.
Epilepsy, despite being a common neurological disorder, there is a significant prevalence of misconceptions surrounding it. World Purple Day is a global effort to raise awareness about epilepsy, demystifying it to improve the lives of those millions of people affected by it.
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All about Epilepsy
According to WHO, around 50 million people worldwide are affected by epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological disorders globally.
Epilepsy is a non-communicable neurological disorder of the brain characterized by recurrent seizures. However, the impact of epilepsy goes beyond just having seizures.
People with epilepsy often face challenges that affect their overall well-being. Problems like tiredness, trouble sleeping, and injuries from seizures can affect a large part of their daily lives.
Epilepsy is also associated with a high risk of premature death. The risk of premature death in people with epilepsy is three times higher than in the general population. Such an increase can be attributed to factors like the potential of accidents during seizures, side effects of medications, and the presence of other conditions in patients.
The causes of epilepsy are still unknown, but they can be classified into several categories. Structural factors like brain tumors or abnormalities in brain development can cause seizures. Genetic factors also play a role, as specific gene mutations can increase the chances of developing epilepsy. Infections like meningitis or encephalitis can sometimes trigger seizures. Metabolic imbalances, problems with the immune system, and other unknown factors may also contribute to the development of epilepsy.
It is one of the oldest recognized conditions in the world and accounts for 0.5% of the global disease burden. Still, fear, misunderstanding, discrimination, and stigma surround epilepsy. People affected with epilepsy can experience unequal access to education, trouble obtaining a driving license, entering certain occupations, and even having access to health and life insurance.
World Purple Day, a.k.a Epilepsy Awareness Day
History
World Purple Day started in 2008 when Cassidy Megan, a young girl from Canada, wanted to raise awareness about epilepsy. She was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of nine and faced stigma and discrimination in the society.
Megan came up with the idea of wearing purple to support people with epilepsy since she has experienced a lack of support from others. Her idea became Purple Day, also known as Epilepsy Awareness Day, celebrated on March 26 every year.
Significance
On World Purple Day, people unite to raise awareness and understanding of epilepsy. Purple represents epilepsy awareness and symbolizes hope, courage, and solidarity for those affected by this disease.
People wear purple clothing, decorate buildings and landmarks with purple lights, and organize events. People from all sections, like schools, businesses, and organizations, participate in such events to support Epilepsy Awareness Day.
Purple Day is unique since it promotes diversity and encourages people to understand and accept individual differences. It is also a prime example of fostering strength and resilience in individuals with epilepsy.
Myths around epilepsy
Epilepsy is a mental illness.
One of the most common misconceptions about epilepsy is it is a type of mental illness. People mistake seizures for a mental illness. However, it is a neurological disorder that causes electrical discharge from the brain cells. It is essential to differentiate between a neurological disorder and mental illness to avoid stigma and promote proper treatment without neglect.
People with epilepsy can’t drive.
People with epilepsy can get their diver’s license if their seizures are under control with proper medications, and they also have to meet the local guidelines from the diving authority.
All seizures are the same.
Epilepsy includes having recurrent seizures, although they can be a result of several other conditions like low blood sugar or high fever. People from all backgrounds of life can encounter seizures, but if the seizures do not reoccur, it is not epilepsy.
