The Lifeline
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Recognizing Epilepsy: National Epilepsy Awareness Week 2023
by: Mayelle Torres
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases. It is a chronic non-communicable neurological disease that causes unusual or abnormal behaviors of the brain, causing seizures. Epilepsy could be a result of a brain or head injury, and it is also believed to be genetic. According to Healthline, young children under the age of 2 and seniors 65 and older have the highest incidence rates of epilepsy. The Philippines is said to have a large gap of treatment in Epilepsy care. In comparison to the rest of Southeast Asia (SEA), the Philippines conducts relatively little epilepsy research. Due to devolution, gaps in the amount and quality of healthcare services provided to local government units (LGUs) have arisen. The country is currently experiencing challenges in having limited access to antiseizure medications (ASMs), mainly due to cost, stated in the article of the National Library of Medicine in 2021.
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Currently, there are organizations in the Philippines that helps in improvement of the quality care focused in Epilepsy in the country. The Philippine League Against Epilepsy (PLAE) is a non-profit national organization of health professionals dedicated to improving the quality of life for those living with epilepsy in the Philippines. It is recognized as the national chapter of the International League Against Epilepsy in the Philippines. It hosts activities like the National Epilepsy Congress and the National Epilepsy Camp to raise awareness and support for persons living with epilepsy.
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In celebration of the Epilepsy Awareness week, let us all use our power to raise awareness and to give accurate and reliable information about Epilepsy. Although epilepsy cannot be prevented, recurring seizures can be avoided or decreased with the right medical care and a few lifestyle changes, such as stress management, a healthy diet, and an active lifestyle. It is crucial that everyone around us has enough knowledge about the disease to give respect to the people who are experiencing the affliction of the disease. Let us all contribute by feeding each other's inquisitive minds and being the people on whom they can rely.