Today is International Epilepsy Day (World Epilepsy Day). Every year, on the second Monday of February, this condition is commemorated, with the aim of creating awareness about epilepsy, its prevention and treatment. The theme for 2023 is: “Step up against stigma”.
Neurologist Shalini Mohan-Bhoendie of the Department of Neurology of the Academic Hospital Paramaribo (AZP), says that this theme was specifically chosen so that the stigma and discrimination experienced by patients with epilepsy is reduced through knowledge.
According to her, there is still a lot of ignorance about epilepsy in Surinamese society. As was the case in ancient times. At that time people with epilepsy were thought to be possessed. This view is still prevalent in parts of society. The Neurology Department continues to deal with individuals who have been familiar with the condition for a long time but have never seen a doctor.
According to the neurologist, this indicates that there is still a lot of ignorance and that people do not recognize it as a disorder. She says this should increase awareness of how epilepsy can manifest itself so that the ignorance is also removed.
Based on 40-80 cases per 100,000 inhabitants worldwide, it is estimated that 3,000-5,000 people in Suriname suffer from epilepsy. The neurologist says that most of them are under treatment in Suriname and that many children are involved.
Epilepsy can be congenital, hereditary or acquired (acquired during life after a stroke, meningitis or brain injury). A demonstration has shown how to deal with a person who is affected by an epileptic seizure. It is important that the person is placed in a stable side position with a soft object under the head. In addition, sharp objects should be kept away. If the attack lasts longer than three minutes, emergency services must be called in.