Purple Day of Epilepsy 2024

What is Purple Day of Epilepsy? this day is observed on 26 March as the day for raising awareness about epilepsy worldwide. This condition affects many people globally approximately 65 million people are affected by this neurological condition that causes seizures that may begin during childhood. There is still a stigma attached to this condition that often results in the affected individuals being misunderstood in social situations. The objective behind celebrating this day is to educate people about the condition and provide support to those suffering from this condition. Let’s dig deep into the details of embracing Purple Day of Epilepsy 2024. 

History 

Cassidy Megan, a nine-year-old girl in Canada, observed the day after being motivated by her own struggles with the disorder. Epilepsy Association of The Maritimes of Canada and the Anita Kaufmann Foundation in New York supported Cassidy’s efforts. And soon enough the day gained global recognition and became an international event. The day quickly gained popularity and in the second year of its existence in 2009, the day was celebrated by thousands of students, at many workplaces and even politicians who participated in celebrating this day. In 2019, the day made its way to Disney Land. Epilepsy Foundation of Central Florida sponsored this event and Cassidy Megan even made a special appearance at the event.

Also Read: Neurologist vs Neurosurgeon 

Significance 

Purple Day of Epilpesy is celebrated to spread awareness about this neurological condition. The condition is still taboo in many parts of the world and is not discussed openly and is even sometimes misunderstood. The recognition of this day has become important to educate people about the difficulty of this condition. 

The objective of this is to support and encourage people with epilepsy to talk about their struggles. It is celebrated to acknowledge the challenges that people with epilepsy face and extend support so that they do not feel alone. 

How is it Celebrated?

This day can be celebrated in many different and fun ways. Given below are some of the recommended ways to celebrate this day:

• Learning more about epilepsy is the best way to celebrate this day that fulfils the motive of the cause and also increases awareness about the condition
• To honour this day and the people who suffer from this condition, wear a purple coloured garment to show your acknowledgement and support towards the cause
• You can organize or even participate in a Purple Day event where you can meet people with epilepsy and learn about their stories 
• You can share about this day on your social media handles and encourage other people as well to contribute to spreading awareness campaign about epilepsy 
• Become a purple day ambassador in your community whether it be a school, college, or locality of society and enlighten the masses about this condition

Also Read: How to become a Cognitive Psychologist

Facts About Epilepsy

The following are some of the facts about epilepsy:

• Epilepsy is not contagious
• Only one in 26 people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime 
• Seizures in Epilepsy are caused by disturbances in the electrical brain signals 
• Seizures can have many different triggers
• You cannot swallow your tongue during a seizure
• On third of the people cannot control their seizures with medication 

Also Read: Medical Courses 

Mitigating Measures for Epilepsy 

The following are some mitigating measures you can take if someone is having a seizure:

• Do not retrain someone who is having a seizure. Generally, a seizure lasts for a few minutes and then eventually stops
• Do not force anything in the mouth of a person having a seizure. This can result in them chipping a tooth, cutting gums or even breaking their jaw 
• The best first aid for seizures is simple: Stay, Safe, Side. Stay with the person having a seizure, keep them safe and turn them to their side if they are not awake.

FAQs

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