Doctor Nirmal Surya is one of the most renowned neurologist of country and spreading awareness about epilepsy from last so many years. He is one of the founder of Epilepsy Foundation of India, the organization. He is engaged in educating masses about the disease, training volunteers, and treating poor patients in various districts of Maharashtra by organizing awareness cum Check-Up camps. Dr Surya travels with his dedicated teams of Foundation which consists of eminent Doctors, volunteers, street play artists to the far flung districts of Maharashtra. They run film specially made for common people about myths and facts about the disease, stage nukkad nataks, examine patients, dispense free medicines to the poor patients.
There are so many wrong myths associated with the disease, known as Mirgi or Akdri in Hindi and Marathi. Many people hide their epilepsy disease from their near and dears also, and goes to Mantriks, Tantriks and Jhola Chap Doctors for treatment this makes disease more complicated. There is a need to spread awareness. 17th November is celebrated as National Epilepsy Day. Yesterday, Dr Surya's Epilepsy Foundation organized National Epilepsy Day in somewhat unique way.The Foundation understands the fact that the common people in Mumbai travels by local trains so on National Day they target all major local stations for their day log activity. In collaboration with Western and Central Railway, Novartis the Foundation reached to maximum no of common Mumbaikar by organizing awareness camps at VT, Churchgate, Dadar, Borivali, Mulund and other important western/ Central locals stations.
Health Minister of Maharashtra Suresh Shetty kicked off the day long event at VT station by his assurance to provide assistance in this unique endeavour. Dr Surya tried to change common man's perception about the disease. Street play on the occasion also made a clear message that instead of wasting time with Ojhas and quakes the best course is to reach doctor.
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| quiz in progress at Churchgate Station |
Second main event took place at Churchgate Station and Minister for Tourism Maharashtra Government Shri Chagan Bhujbal was also attended the event.
A quiz based on epilepsy was also conducted involving the passerby commuters to have better understanding.
I spoke to Dr Surya about this disease and critical issues related to it, he summarized these points in simple language and I share with my readers these points :
A quiz based on epilepsy was also conducted involving the passerby commuters to have better understanding.
I spoke to Dr Surya about this disease and critical issues related to it, he summarized these points in simple language and I share with my readers these points :
* Epilepsy is the most common neurological condition.
- About 1 in every 100 people has epilepsy.
- A single seizure does not necessarily mean you have epilepsy.
- Epilepsy can affect anyone, at any age.
- 75% of people with epilepsy have had their first seizure before the age of 20.
- Up to 80% of people will have their epilepsy controlled by medication.
- Many children with epilepsy will outgrow it.
- Epilepsy is not a mental illness or psychiatric disorder.
- Epilepsy is not infectious or contagious.
- 1 in 20 people have a seizure at some time in their lives.
- A seizure is caused by abnormal chemical activity of the brain.
- Slightly more males than females have epilepsy.
- Epilepsy has not stood in the way of achievement for people like Jonty Rhodes, Vusi Mahlasela and Agatha Christie.
- There are different forms of epilepsy and types of seizures
- Some people's seizures follow a definite pattern while others have unpredictable seizures.
- Some people get a warning before a seizure.
- Most seizures are over quickly and are easily dealt with.
- Epilepsy affects people of all levels of intelligence and from all racial and social backgrounds
- Anyone cane develop epilepsy at any stage of life.
- For most people with epilepsy, the biggest problem they have to face is other people's attitudes to epilepsy.
- What people with epilepsy most need is understanding and acceptance from the public.
FIRST AID FOR SEIZURES
Medical help is usually not necessary, but should be sought if :
- repetitive seizures occur without the regaining of consciousness in between,
- the seizure shows no sign of stopping after a few minutes, or
- there is a physical injury during the seizure.I will share my first hand report on Epilepsy Foundation's next camp at Kolhapur.
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