International Epilepsy Awareness Day丨Protect epilepsy patients and show more care and love

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What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a common chronic mental illness caused by sudden abnormal discharges of brain neurons, which can lead to transient brain dysfunction. However, people have little knowledge of epilepsy, which often leads to missing the critical treatment period and causing irreversible consequences.

Effects of standardized diagnosis and treatment and medication

Clinical studies in various countries have shown that as long as newly diagnosed epilepsy patients receive standardized and reasonable anti-epileptic drug treatment, 70% to 80% of patients' seizures can be controlled, and their normal life and work are basically not affected. In the process of treatment, we should actively accept the treatment and not have too much psychological pressure. As the treatment progresses, it can be successfully controlled.

Unknown or poorly treated factors

Patients or their families lack the necessary scientific knowledge about epilepsy, and often believe that epilepsy is an incurable disease. They lack confidence in medical treatment and are easily fooled by rumors, which leads to blind movement for medical treatment and seeking medical treatment indiscriminately. As family members, we should show more care and concern for patients, believe that epilepsy can be cured, and give encouragement and companionship.

Too much worry about the side effects of Western anti-epileptic drugs, blindly believe in "homemade Chinese medicine" or "folk prescriptions" or "secret recipes" that are not approved and verified by the state, or even superstitious activities; believe in scientific treatments, believe in the power of hospital science, and be highly vigilant about folk prescriptions. Patients have poor compliance with medication, and stop, reduce or change medications at will; patients should follow the doctor's advice and take medication on time and have confidence in themselves.

In some areas, quack doctors mislead patients about their treatment and use abnormal means to earn money from patients. This not only delays the patients' treatment, but also places a heavy financial and psychological burden on the patients and their families.

Standardized diagnosis and treatment process

With the transformation of modern medical models and the innovation of chronic disease management models, the concept of standardized diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy should be extended from traditional in-hospital diagnosis and treatment to the standardization of the entire course of disease around "before diagnosis, during diagnosis, and after diagnosis". In the future, Internet medical care and digital models will be used to cross the time and space inside and outside the hospital, so as to gradually improve patient compliance, promote the sinking of high-quality medical resources, realize the accessibility of medical services, and reduce the burden of disease.

How to provide first aid for epileptic seizures?

June 28, 2023 will be the 17th "International Epilepsy Awareness Day". Epilepsy patients need the understanding and tolerance of the whole society. With our care and support, they will have greater motivation and hope to embrace a better tomorrow. For the family members of epilepsy patients, they should master some first aid methods for epileptic seizures so that they can be caught off guard when the patient suddenly has an attack. Once epilepsy occurs, others cannot stop it. At this time, the only thing family members can do is to minimize the harm to the patient during the epileptic seizure.

1. Let the patient lie on his side

The side-lying position can help the patient breathe smoothly and help the secretions in the respiratory tract to be discharged, so as to prevent the patient from choking or causing aspiration pneumonia. If the patient's position cannot be adjusted, then turn the patient's head to the sides.

2. Remove sharp objects such as glasses from the patient

When an epileptic seizure occurs, try to remove any hard objects on the patient, such as dentures, glasses, and watches, to avoid hurting the patient. In order to keep the patient breathing smoothly, if the patient is wearing a belt, tie, or tights, they also need to be removed or loosened in time. Prevent some extreme behaviors from causing harm to yourself or others.

3. Protect patients from falls or collisions

During an epileptic seizure, the patient may not be able to control himself, rolling around or bumping around. Therefore, try to move the tables and chairs around the patient to protect the patient from falling or being hit. But remember not to press the patient forcefully to avoid causing fractures. Make sure there is an open space next to the patient to prevent collisions.

4. Record the time of onset

After taking the above measures, wait calmly for the epileptic seizure to stop, and record the time of the seizure and the time of the cessation; if necessary, call 120 for emergency assistance. Find the pattern and take appropriate protection.

5. Send to hospital if necessary

Most epileptic seizures do not require hospitalization unless you encounter the following situations:

(1) The attack lasts too long (more than 10 minutes);

(2) frequent attacks in a short period of time (more than 3 attacks within 30 minutes);

(3) Two consecutive seizures without recovery of consciousness.