Unveiling Hope

The WHO estimates that a majority of  people living with epilepsy will be able to live seizure-free, if they gain access to timely treatment. Raising epilepsy awareness could enable people to understand when to consult a healthcare practitioner and take steps to minimize the likelihood of a seizure. Equally importantly, it could give communities at large the knowledge and resources to effectively respond to a person undergoing a seizure, offer first aid to protect the patient from physical harm, and ensure their safety during and right after the episode.

An accurate diagnosis is the first step in navigating any health condition. But to know when to seek a diagnostic consult, it is vital to recognize the signs of a disorder. A seizure can cause uncontrolled movements of specific or multiple parts of the body, and erratic shifts in mood and cognition, such as temporary confusion, and loss of awareness. It’s a good idea to turn to a healthcare provider, even if you notice symptoms that you consider too mild or unclear to report. Let your doctor guide you on the way forward— through physical exams, brain scans, and tests that assess the brain’s electrical patterns, your doctor will get to the root of the matter.

The possible causes of epilepsy range from genetic predisposition, brain infections, and autoimmune disorders, to head injuries, and abnormalities like tumors. In case an underlying health issue is detected, the causative condition will be addressed through surgical or other therapeutic interventions; however, controlling seizures is always the immediate priority to prevent any potential complications. In most instances, epileptic seizures can be managed with anti-seizure medicines, dietary tweaks and lifestyle adaptations that can help curb the possibility of epileptic episodes.

Tuning in to your triggers / Dialing in to daily details

Aligning your daily schedule to your health needs is an essential aspect of dealing with a chronic condition. With epilepsy, this includes understanding your unique seizure triggers, so you can counter them with the right care and precautions. While triggers differ from person to person, some common factors that can lead to episodes include sleep deprivation, dehydration, tiredness, specific foods or times of the day, and exposure to bright or flashing lights.

ean on your physician’s or nutritionist’s advice to design a personalized meal plan most suited to your health condition, age, and lifestyle demands. Aim for an optimum balance of activity and rest; regular exercise is as important as a good night’s sleep— a key step in managing stress levels and curtailing seizures. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation and biofeedback therapy, too, can calm the mind, regulate your heart rate and help to reduce anxiety. And finally, the most critical measure— take your epilepsy medication precisely as prescribed by your doctor. Adhering to your treatment protocol plays a pivotal part in keeping seizures at bay. So remember to not miss a dose— innovative health tech apps can be useful companions on this journey, reminding you to take your medicines on time and follow your doctor’s advice, while also educating you about your condition, encouraging you to track your health, enabling you to understand your epilepsy triggers, and allowing you to build healthy habits for long-term wellbeing.

Rooting for a Resolution

People with chronic disorders need to know that they’re not alone; 50 million people worldwide are affected by epilepsy— a number that calls for widespread attention, awareness, compassion and action. Education and empathy can lift the shroud off this misunderstood condition, shaping a world where we are equipped and willing to support people with epilepsy, empowering them to step out with confidence and certainty, while caregivers rest assured that their loved ones are safe, no matter where they may be.

Disclaimer: The information mentioned in this document is only suggestive /for patient education and shall not be considered as a substitute for doctor’s advice or recommendations from Abbott. Please consult your doctor for more information