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National Epilepsy & SANCA Drug Awareness Weeks 21 - 27 June
Two important topics that affect the world at large are highlighted in South Africa this week through awareness campaigns: epilepsy and substance (drug) abuse. The following articles aim to inform and educate you on both of these matters.
EPILEPSY
Epilepsy is a chronic disorder characterised by recurrent seizures, which may vary from a brief lapse of attention or muscle jerks, to severe and prolonged convulsions. The seizures are caused by sudden, usually brief, excessive electrical discharges in a group of brain cells (neurones). In most cases, epilepsy can be successfully treated with anti-epileptic drugs. Epilepsy has not stood in the way of achievement for people like Jonty Rhodes, Vusi Mahlasela and Agatha Christie.
Facts about epilepsy
- 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.
- 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.
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.
How to recognize a seizure and what to do
The following table should be helpful in recognising seizures and assisting a person when a seizure occurs.
| Seizure | What it looks like | How you can help |
Generalised absence |
The person looks blank and stares. There may be blinking or slight twitching. It lasts a few seconds then normal activity continues. |
Be reassuring. The person may be unaware of the seizure. Note that it has occurred. |
Generalised tonic-clonic |
The common sequence is: staring; stiffening of the body; possible blue colour around the mouth; jerking movements. As breathing restarts normal colour returns. There may be blood flecked saliva and incontinence (rare). Lasts a few minutes. |
Protect the person from injury. Cushion the head. Do not restrict movement or put anything in the mouth. Help breathing by putting the person on to the side. Stay with him or her until fully recovered. |
Complex partial |
May start with a warning or "aura". The person may appear confused or distracted. There may be repetitive movements, e.g. plucking at clothes. |
Remove harmful objects and guide the person away from danger. Talk quietly to reassure him or her. |
Sources:
www.epilepsy.org.za
www.info.gov.za/events/health/epilepsy_day.htm
www.who.int/topics/epilepsy
SANCA DRUG AWARENESS WEEK
The misuse of substances by school-going youth is a cause for much concern. Recent studies showed an increase in the prevalence of dagga use and binge drinking among the youth. According to the South African Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Use, in the Northern Cape 36% of patients admitted to rehabilitation and treatment centers for substance abuse are aged between 10 and 19.
June is youth month in South Africa and as such it important that we are not blind to the plight of young people involved in substance abuse. There are no guarantees that learners will not choose to use drugs, but parents and teachers can influence learners by providing guidance and reasons for not using drugs. Parents and teachers should talk honestly with learners about drugs and listen carefully to any questions they may have. Parents and educators can equip learners to say no to drugs.
The South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA) is holding its annual Drug Awareness Week from 21 to 27 June. SANCA's major objectives are the prevention and treatment of alcohol and other drug dependence. SANCA operates through public education and treatment services for chemically dependent people and their families. There are no guarantees that children will not choose to use drugs, but parents can influence their children by providing guidance and clear rules about not using drugs. Parents should talk honestly with their children about drugs and listen carefully to any questions they may have. Parents can help their children develop self-confidence and strong values. This will equip children to say no to drugs.
Source:
www.sancanational.org.za
