Epilepsy Awareness Month: "There is no NEAM without ME"
National Epilepsy Awareness Month (NEAM) is an annual event celebrated in November. The day teaches people about epilepsy causes and symptoms.
During this month, many organizations come together to provide information about prevention, treatment, research, and resources to fight epilepsy.
The Epilepsy Foundation 2022 National Epilepsy Awareness Month theme is: “There is no NEAM without ME.” The theme highlights the Foundation’s efforts with the epilepsy community to celebrate persons with epilepsy and the important role they play in spreading awareness during this month.
Similarly, the month recognizes caregivers who make a difference in matters concerning epilepsy every day.
NEAM month also provides opportunities for individuals, communities, organizations and businesses to raise awareness on this neurological condition.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder which is characterized by seizures that cause involuntary movements. It is the 4th most common neurological disorder affecting people of all ages.
This life –long condition affects people in different ways. With 70% of epilepsy cases not having known reasons, some of the commonly recognized causes include; strokes, brain tumors, infections, and traumatic brain injuries.
Cassidy Megan, 23, from Nova Scotia, Canada, founded the Epilepsy Awareness Day with the first event held on March 26, 2008.
Motivated by her diagnosis and struggles of living with epilepsy, Cassidy realized the importance of people understanding this common neurological disorder.
She was diagnosed with focal impaired awareness seizures when she was 7 years old. However, her doctor believed that she had been experiencing seizures since birth.
Focal Epilepsy is a type of epilepsy in which seizures originate within one area on one side of the brain.
There are myriad ways of celebrating National Epilepsy awareness month.
People can register for epilepsy walks where funds to help persons with epilepsy are raised.
Moreover, adding names of people who have passed away epilepsy or related causes is also a way of commemorating this special day.
The Epilepsy Foundation has a Remembrance Wall where people can sign the memories of their loved ones.
Additionally, the foundation also urges people to provide programs and education on matters concerning epilepsy.
With collaboration and support, the Epilepsy Foundation together with the general public can work together to build a seizure safe nation through raising of funds and educating the masses about epilepsies and seizures.
BY STACY ODHIAMBO
Tags: Epilepsy National Epilepsy Awareness Month Epilepsy Foundation Editor's Pick
