Do you know someone that has epilepsy? November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month, a great time for you and others to learn a little more about the disorder that affects 1 out of every 100 people in the USA.

Epilepsy is the third most common neurological disorder after Alzheimer and strokes affecting over 2.5 million Americans. It can be caused by low oxygen at birth, head injuries or brain injuries. As common as it sounds, it’s hard to believe there still is not a cure and that there is only one organization “The Epilepsy Foundation” that represents those with epilepsy.

No one knows what causes epilepsy but over 150 thousand new cases are diagnosed every year in the United States and over 45 of them are children under the age of 15. The most helpful thing you can do for a person with epilepsy is to learn how to help them during a seizure.

Remain calm during a seizure and understand that it only last about 1-1/2 minutes. If it lasts longer or the person having the seizure is pregnant call 911 immediately.

1. Help person in crisis down to the floor on their side.
2. Move any hard objects such as furniture out of the way.
3. Loosen tight clothing.
4. Never put anything in the person’s mouth, but wipe away fluids.
5. Never hold person still.

The more people are aware of Epilepsy, the more normal and safe people with epilepsy can feel about the disorder.

Now that you’re more knowledgeable about epilepsy, you can understand why “My Identity Doctor urges people with serious medical needs to wear ID medical bracelets.
During the Epilepsy Awareness month, show your support by wearing purple and if anyone asks, tell them all about epilepsy.