Yesterday was World Epilepsy Day. The condition afflicts some 40 million people worldwide, that is a staggering one per cent of the global population. The stats for Malta are not much different, there are some 4,000 people who suffer from the condition, slightly more than 1 per cent of the population.
Epilepsy is the most chronic brain disorder in the world, and with 40 different types of the condition, it affects people in all age groups. Sometimes people ‘grow out of it’, but for many more, it is something that stays with them for life.
Most people who suffer from epilepsy have to take drugs on a daily basis to try and alleviate the seizures they would suffer without it. While the condition will remain within the person, at least, in this way, most – around 70% of sufferers – become seizure free. This allows them to lead a normal life, being able to work and function. But in order to be in as best a condition as possible, sufferers have to make other sacrifices.
Sufferers have to give up alcohol, stay away from bright flashing nights, they must ensure that they get enough sleep. Some advocate sport and any other physical activity to help. Of course, such activity benefits any soul searching for a healthy body and mind, but it seems to help keep seizures at bay.
Many believe they are suffering alone and that theirs is a closed world that cannot be penetrated from the outside. But there is help at hand. The Caritas Malta Epilepsy Association (CMEA) was set up by voluntary workers in 1996 and now lists almost 300 members. It is dedicated to raising awareness on epilepsy through disseminating information on the condition itself to help break the stigmas.
The Association also educates people – on a 100 per cent voluntary basis – in various professional sectors such as education, nursing, social services and the police on what characterises an epileptic seizure and how to recognise a seizure in order to provide the appropriate help. It also acts as an advocate for improving local regulations and legislation that enables people with epilepsy to have easy access to good medical care, such as long-term medication, and better diagnostic techniques.
A conference, themed “Step by Step” will be held this Saturday and should be of interest to medical professionals, as well as epilepsy sufferers and their families. Anyone with queries about epilepsy, or who is in need of a support network can contact Caritas to be put in touch with the CMEA. Epilepsy is a complicated condition, but most people who have it can lead a relatively normal life just by taking their daily meds. We must reduce the stigma around the condition and we should embrace those who suffer from it, yet want to lead a fulfilling life and contribute towards society. Step by Step, we can all make a difference. Step by Step, we can remove the stigma that the condition carried with it. Step by Step, we can make all who suffer from it feel appreciated in society.