Understanding epilepsy better
Epilepsy is a little-known disorder that nevertheless affects nearly 1 in 100 Canadians. One way to support those affected is, quite simply, to gain more knowledge about the subject to help break down prejudices.
March 26 is recognized by more than 80 countries around the world as the global epilepsy awareness day, now known as Purple Day. Purple Day was launched in 2008 thanks to the initiative of Canadian Cassidy Megan. Diagnosed with epilepsy at age 7, this young Nova Scotian has since stood out by partnering with various organizations to turn her idea of Purple Day into a global movement. More than 80 countries now take part in the movement through hundreds of events held each year.
In fact, this flower is traditionally associated with loneliness and isolation; feelings that Canadian Cassidy Megan, creator of this day, experienced when she was diagnosed with epilepsy at age 7.
The initiative therefore invites those who are affected to come together and engage in meaningful conversations about this condition. Likewise, it allows all of us to support those who suffer from epilepsy and show our support by uniting around a single color: purple.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that disrupts the brain's electrical activity and causes recurring seizures. This brain dysfunction occurs when a person's consciousness, movements, or actions may be uncontrollably altered for a short period of time. The duration and type of seizure vary depending on the region of the brain affected and its extent.
There is a wide variety of types of epileptic seizures. They are nevertheless grouped into 2 broad categories.
Extend over both hemispheres of the brain
Are often associated with loss of consciousness
Among the most common types are
absence seizures: Brief period of unresponsiveness (blank stare) that often goes unnoticed or is perceived as daydreaming,
tonic-clonic seizures: The tonic phase causes loss of consciousness, muscle contraction, and difficulty breathing. The clonic phase causes convulsions that can lead to tongue biting, excess saliva, and loss of urine and stools.
atonic seizures: Sudden loss of muscle tone causing a fall and possible loss of consciousness.
myoclonic seizures: Sudden muscle jerks and contractions that can cause a fall but generally do not involve loss of consciousness.
Also called "focal seizures"
Start in a specific part of the brain, so the course of the seizure will depend on its location.
simple: No loss of consciousness. Unusual sensations (e.g., vision disturbances, tingling, déjà vu, etc.). May be precursors to a more serious seizure.
or complex: Affects the state of consciousness. Common symptoms: blank stare and repeated automatic gestures (e.g., pulling at clothing). Inability or difficulty speaking.
Symptoms during epileptic seizures can vary greatly from one person to another, sometimes even from one seizure to another. Among these symptoms are:
loss of consciousness;
Muscle contractions;
cognitive functions;
*The following response protocol is an excellent tool for knowing what to do in case of a convulsive seizure: https://frsqc.com/ressources-gratuites
People with epilepsy are also more likely to have secondary physical problems: fractures, bruises, and multiple injuries.
Having epilepsy is not just about having seizures. Unfortunately, this condition can lead to other problems, such as psychosocial disorders like anxiety, stress, and depression.
Epilepsy can also lead to behavioral disorders, especially in children. These disorders can develop due to:
Fear, stress, or embarrassment related to having epilepsy;
Frustration related to learning and language difficulties;
An abnormality in one of the regions of the brain that controls and helps regulate emotions and behavior;
Abnormal brain wave activity (epileptic) that disrupts the normal functioning of the brain;
Antiepileptic drug therapy that alters the balance of chemicals (neurotransmitters) inside the brain, which ensures the regulation of behavior.
The chances of epileptic children having behavioral problems vary greatly from one young person to another, depending on the type of epilepsy and its location in the brain, the frequency and intensity of seizures, the type of medication, and the reaction of those around them to seizures. (The Hospital for Sick Children, 2010)
Epilepsy affects 1 in 100 Canadians
Half of the causes of epilepsy are still unknown
More than 50 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with epilepsy — making it the most common serious neurological disorder worldwide
It is estimated that 70% of people living with epilepsy could live without symptoms if resources allowed for better diagnoses and treatments
According to neuropsychologist Sarah Lippé, Ph.D., social judgments are still directed at people with epilepsy. Due to these prejudices, people affected by epilepsy have an increased risk of encountering the following issues:
psychological distress;
academic and professional difficulties;
job loss, unemployment, and poverty.
Source: Canadian Epilepsy Alliance
The popular belief that it is dangerous to swallow your tongue during an epileptic seizure is a myth!
That's right! In fact, it is physically impossible to swallow your tongue, although biting it is possible. However, you must never place an object, such as a spoon, in the victim's mouth to prevent this type of injury. They would instead risk breaking teeth, injuring gums and cheeks, fracturing the jaw, or choking on the object.
Let's take advantage of Purple Day to break down these prejudices!
Visit the following link to learn more about epilepsy and to find out how to mark Purple Day: https://www.canadianepilepsyalliance.org/5619/
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CHU Sainte-Justine. 2017. "Let's Talk About Epilepsy". URL: https://www.chusj.org/fr/soins-services/E/Epilepsie/Parlons-d-epilepsie [Last accessed March 16, 2022]
Épilepsie Section Québec. N.d. "What is epilepsy?". URL: https://www.epilepsiequebec.com [Last accessed March 16, 2022]
Gilmour, H., Ramage-Morin, P. and Wong L., S. 2016. "Epilepsy in Canada: prevalence and impact". Statistics Canada. URL: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-003-x/2016009/article/14654-fra.htm [Last accessed March 16, 2022]
Lippé, Sarah. N.d. "Epilepsy". Quebec Association of Neuropsychologists. URL: https://aqnp.ca/documentation/neurologique/lepilepsie [Last accessed March 16, 2022]
World Health Organization. 2022. "Key Facts: Epilepsy". URL: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/epilepsy [Last accessed March 16, 2022]
SickKids Staff. 2010. "Epilepsy and Behavior". About Kids Health. URL: https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/fr/Article?contentid=2113&language=French [Last accessed March 16, 2022]
Purple Day. N.d. "Purple Beginnings". URL: https://www.purpleday.org [Last accessed March 16, 2022]