National Epilepsy Day

National Epilepsy Day

In India, November 17 is observed every year as National Epilepsy Day to create awareness about epilepsy which is celebrated by the Epilepsy Foundation.

Key Points:

• Epilepsy is a chronic non-communicable disorder of the brain characterized by recurrent ‘seizures’ or ‘fits’. 
• The seizures are caused as a result of sudden, excessive electrical discharges in the neurons (brain cells).   
• The condition can affect people at any age and each age group has unique concerns and problems.
• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 50 million people have epilepsy across the world, out of which 80% of people are living in developing countries. 
• Although epilepsy is treatable, yet three-fourths of affected people in developing countries do not receive the required treatment.
• In India, about 10 million people suffer from seizures associated with epilepsy.
• Epilepsy is mostly treatable with medications. The critical thing about epilepsy is that one should not delay its treatment.