Wear mauve for Purple Day!
Understanding epilepsy
Epilepsy is a little-known disorder affecting nearly 1 in 100 Canadians. One way to support people with the condition is, quite simply, to learn more about it and help break down the stigma.
What is Purple Day?
March 26 is recognized by over 80 countries around the world as World Epilepsy Awareness Day, now known as Lavender Day. Lavender Day was launched in 2008 thanks to the initiative of Canadian Cassidy Megan. Diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 7, this young Nova Scotian has since made a name for herself by partnering with various organizations to turn her idea of Lavender Day into a worldwide movement. Over 80 countries now participate in the movement, with hundreds of events taking place every year.
Why choose lavender purple?
Well, the flower is traditionally associated with loneliness and isolation, feelings that Canadian Cassidy Megan, creator of the day, experienced when she was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 7.
The initiative invites those affected to come together and have meaningful conversations about the condition. It also allows us all to support those who suffer from epilepsy, and to show our support by uniting around one color: purple.
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that disrupts the electrical activity of the brain, leading to recurrent seizures. This brain dysfunction occurs when a person's consciousness, movements or actions can be altered uncontrollably for a short period of time. The duration and type of seizure vary according to the area of the brain affected and its extent.
There are many different types of epileptic seizures. However, they can be grouped into 2 main categories.
Generalized seizures
Extend to both hemispheres of the brain
Often associated with loss of consciousness
The most frequent types include
absences: brief periods of non-receptivity (staring into space) that often go unnoticed or are perceived as being in the moonlight,
tonic-clonic seizures: the tonic phase causes loss of consciousness, muscular contraction and difficulty in breathing. Its clonic phase causes convulsions that can result in tongue biting, excess saliva and loss of urine and stools.
atonic seizures: sudden loss of muscle tone, leading to a fall and possible loss of consciousness.
myoclonic seizures: sudden jerks and contractions of the muscles that can cause a fall, but generally do not involve loss of consciousness.
Partial seizures
Also known as "focal seizures".
Trigger in a specific part of the brain, so the course of the seizure will depend on its location.
They can be
simple: no loss of consciousness. Unusual sensations (e.g. blurred vision, tingling, déjà vu, etc.). May be a precursor to a more serious seizure.
or complex : Affects state of consciousness. Frequent symptoms: blank stare and repeated automatic gestures (e.g. pulling on clothes). Inability or difficulty speaking.
Some common symptoms
Symptoms of epileptic seizures can vary greatly from person to person, sometimes even from seizure to seizure. Symptoms may include
disorientation ;
loss of consciousness
weakness ;
muscle contractions;
various disorders :
movements ;
sensations ;
mood ;
cognitive functions ;
convulsions *
*The following intervention protocol is an excellent tool for knowing what to do in the event of a seizure: https://academiesb.com/ressources-gratuites
People with epilepsy are also more likely to have secondary physical problems: fractures, haematomas and multiple injuries.
Having epilepsy isn't just about having seizures. Unfortunately, it can also lead to other problems, such as psychosocial disorders, anxiety, stress and depression.
Epilepsy can also lead to behavioral disorders, especially in children. These disorders can develop as a result of :
Fear, stress or embarrassment related to having epilepsy.
Frustration linked to learning and language difficulties.
An abnormality in one of the brain regions that control and help control emotions and behavior.
Abnormal brainwave activity (epilepsy) that disrupts normal brain function.
Anti-epileptic drug therapy, which alters the balance of chemicals (neurotransmitters) within the brain, helping to regulate behavior.
The chances of children with epilepsy having behavioral problems vary greatly from one youngster to the next, 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)
DID YOU KNOW THAT
Epilepsy affects 1 in 100 Canadians
__________
Half 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 symptom-free lives if resources enabled better diagnosis and treatment
Still too many prejudices
According to neuropsychologist Sarah Lippé, PhD, people with epilepsy are still subject to social judgments. As a result of these prejudices, people with epilepsy are at greater risk of encountering the following problems:
isolation and rejection
psychological distress ;
difficulties at school and at work;
discrimination ;
job loss, unemployment and poverty.
Source: Canadian Epilepsy Alliance
Did you know that...
The popular belief that it's dangerous to swallow your tongue during an epileptic seizure is a myth!
In fact, it's physically impossible to swallow your tongue, although a bite is possible. However, you should never put an object such as a spoon in the victim's mouth to prevent this type of injury. The risk is of breaking teeth, injuring gums and cheeks, fracturing the jaw or choking on the object.
Let's take advantage of Lavender Day to dispel these prejudices!
Visit the following link to find out more about epilepsy and how to mark Lavender Day: https://www.canadianepilepsyalliance.org/5619/
Sources
Alliance canadienne de l'épilepsie. S.d. «À propos de l'épilepsie». URL : https://www.canadianepilepsyalliance.org/a-propos-de-lepilepsie/?lang=fr [Last accessed March 16, 2022]
CHU Sainte-Justine. 2017. «Parlons d'épilepsie». URL : https://www.chusj.org/fr/soins-services/E/Epilepsie/Parlons-d-epilepsie [Last accessed March 16, 2022]
Épilepsie Section Québec. S.d. « Qu'est-ce que l'épilepsie?». URL : https://www.epilepsiequebec.com [Last accessed March 16, 2022]
Gilmour, H., Ramage-Morin, P. et Wong L., S. 2016. «L'épilepsie au Canada : prévalence et conséquences». Statistique Canada. URL : https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-003-x/2016009/article/14654-fra.htm [Last accessed March 16, 2022]
Lippé, Sarah. S.d. «Épilepsie». Association québécoise des neuropsychologues. URL :https://aqnp.ca/documentation/neurologique/lepilepsie [Last accessed March 16, 2022]
Organisation mondiale de la santé. 2022. «Principaux repères : Épilepsie». URL :https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/epilepsy [Last accessed March 16, 2022]
Personnel de SickKids. 2010. «L'épilepsie et le comportement». About Kids Health. URL : https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/fr/Article?contentid=2113&language=French [Last accessed March 16, 2022]
Purple Day. S.d. «Purple Beginnings». URL :https://www.purpleday.org [Last accessed March 16, 2022]
Arnaud Korth
Administrative agent