13/01/2024
EPILEPSY
In our communities we have brothers and sisters who have Epilepsy.The sad thing is that these people face some kind of stigma.In the community people call them alot of names.And when people just hear someone has epilepsy they start to deassociate,and others do many other bad things to people who suffer from this condition.To address some of these issues that people with Epilepsy face this page will Educate about Epilepsy to that we can be knowledgeable to help our brothers and sisters.
SO WHAT IS EPILEPSY?
In simplest terms it is condition in which a person will have seizures that manifests as shaking of whole body stiffening of arms ,legs, tongue bitting,loss of consciousness and Convulsions.In Chichewa some say it is "Matenda akugwa Khunyu".I am not sure If that is the correct way to call this disease.But I believe you know it now.
Studies have found out that 2.8 to 5.2%
have epilepsy in Malawi and that 90% of people with Epilepsy in sub Saharan African are untreated.Most of the people who suffer from this disease can live a normal productive life if they are taking their medications properly to prevent occurrence of seizures.
People who have epilepsy have their INTELLIGENCE INTACT.This means that if we take care,help them adhere to their drugs they can do ,perform most of the tasks/Jobs like any other person.For example they can be Dr,Teachers, etc and other professions that we may think of.
CAUSES OF EPILEPSY
Stroke
Brain tumour
Severe head injury
Drug abuse or alcohol misuse
Brain infection
Lack of oxygen during birth.
PREVENTION OF INJURY TO PEOPLE WITH EPILEPSY
1.Avoid leaving them alone when there is fire (Mbaula etc)
2.Help them take their medications without stopping.
3.Avoid leaving them alone near water sources like river,lake etc.
4.During a Seizure (akhala akugwa) make sure you remove anything that can harm them ,do not insert anything in their mouth.
6.Visit nearest hospital for medical assistance and control of seizures.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE
A person with epilepsy can lead a normal life just like any other person.
Let's stop stigma towards people with epilepsy ,let's help them to lead normal
Life by helping ,taking them to hospital to control occurrence of Seizures.In government
Hospital there is a special clinic for people with epilepsy called NCD clinic,let's take our brother and sisters to these clinics.
For more in this topic please contact me on:
Masangu the nurse-namwino
Whatsapp : +265884192584
masanguchirambo@gmail.com