Put On Purple For Epilepsy!

Over 600,000 people in the UK are living with Epilepsy and 1 in 3 have seizures that cannot be controlled by current treatment options. Purple Day, also known as Epilepsy Awareness Day, is being celebrated on 26th March 2024 and is dedicated to increasing awareness about Epilepsy worldwide and helping to reduce the stigma that surrounds the disorder.

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that affects the brain, causing repeated seizures. It can start at any age and there are many different types. It is usually only diagnosed if a person is at chance of having more than one seizure, and whilst Epilepsy can be a life long condition, some types only last for a limited time.

Seizures are episodes of abnormal brain activity that can cause symptoms such as loss of consciousness, muscle spasms, and convulsions. There is no cure for epilepsy, but it can be managed with medication and other treatments.

Possible causes of Epilepsy include:

• Genetic predisposition

• Head injuries

• Stroke

• Brain tumours

• Drug or alcohol misuse

It is important to visit your GP if you have had a seizure or they are re-occurring. A GP may refer you for tests with a specialist to find out what caused it, however it often cannot be confirmed until a person has had more than one seizure.

Seizures can be frightening, so being a calm and supportive presence can make a big difference to someone with Epilepsy. Support can be given in many ways, such as learning what you can about the condition to be understanding and talking to others and spreading awareness.