On March 26, people from all over the world are invited to wear purple in order to raise awareness about epilepsy, a change in brain functioning that manifests itself in crises already known to many. The so-called Purple Day (purple day) seeks to advance discussion about the neurological condition that affects about 1 to 2% of the world’s population, according to the World Health Organization. Epilepsy symptoms are characterized by seizures, transient cerebral manifestations of electrical discharges, focal or generalized, leading to epileptic seizures. “It can range from vague malaise with a jerk in a limb or part of the body, to the classic picture of whole-body vibrations and tremors with loss of consciousness. From a vague sense of absence or tremors and tremors, to loss of consciousness with tremors, cramps and hypertonicity,” he says. says Sandra Bronstein, MD, a neurologist at São José Hospital.
Epilepsy is characterized as a syndrome, a set of signs and symptoms that define the condition, and is common to many diseases. Therefore, it can be caused by various factors: hereditary transmission by genetic mutations, neurodevelopmental disorders, infections, tumors, cerebrovascular diseases such as stroke, sequelae of head trauma, among others. “The ages at which the condition appears are also variable, with a peak incidence in childhood, adolescence and the elderly,” the specialist continues.
Epilepsy treatment is indicated from the patient’s second crisis, and a medication may be recommended that should be used regularly to prevent crises. The main factors that can trigger seizures are: forgetting to dose anticonvulsants, alcohol, stress, dehydration, excessive heat, infection, and fever.
“As long as epilepsy has controlled seizures, there are no contraindications. Some general recommendations are to avoid driving vehicles, extreme sports, swimming and diving. Electronic games and excessive use of screens can also trigger epileptic seizures.” Sandra Bronstein. However, good nutrition can be an ally of a patient with epilepsy, and can help control seizures. The ketogenic diet, for example, is very suitable for treating the disease. “If you see someone having a seizure, try to put them lying down in a more comfortable and safe place to minimize falls and injuries. Do not try to give the person any medicine, food or water. Just call the emergency room, ”concludes the neurologist at São José Hospital.
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