Today, March 26, various events are taking place in many countries around the world on the occasion of the World Epilepsy Day. The event is also called the Purple Day, UNN writes.
The event was founded in 2008 by a nine-year-old girl with epilepsy from Canada, Cassidy Megan. She wanted to show that people suffering from epilepsy need public attention, and that there are many myths surrounding the disease. The girl chose a purple ribbon as a symbol of the event.
Gradually, Cassidy Megan's initiative was picked up in many countries around the world.
Epilepsy is a group of chronic neurological disorders characterized by seizures. The exact causes of the disease are not yet known, but other serious illnesses and bad habits can trigger epilepsy. Treatment consists only in maintaining the normal state of the body; a complete recovery is currently impossible.
According to statistics, about 50 million people worldwide suffer from epilepsy.
Almost 80% of cases are reported in developing countries. The frequency of seizures is closely related to a person's age, with elderly people having more seizures.
In industrialized countries, the onset of the disease is most often observed in infants and the elderly. in developing countries, it is in primary school children and adolescents.
In 60% of cases, epileptic seizures occur in the form of convulsions.
In Ukraine, just over 50 thousand people suffer from epilepsy.
Epilepsy has a negative impact on the social and psychological state of patients, who may face social isolation, discrimination, or the development of disabilities. The consequences of epilepsy also include academic failure and problems with employment.
Patients with epilepsy often have some learning difficulties, especially children with epilepsy.Families of patients may suffer from prejudice that exists in society about epilepsy.
Today's event was launched to get rid of these negative aspects in society.