Situations in which the routine is disrupted in epilepsy can trigger seizures.

Atlas University Hospital Neurology Specialist Dr. In her statement on March 26, Epilepsy Awareness Day, Seda Bostan pointed out the importance of epilepsy awareness and made an assessment of what epilepsy patients should pay attention to.

Fear and labeling delay hospital admissions

Dr. stated that labeling of epilepsy can especially delay the diagnosis of the disease. Seda Bostan said, "Although epilepsy is a very common disease, unnecessary fear and labeling related to this disease delays hospital admissions. In addition, the fact that epilepsy is mostly known in the society as 'generalized tonic-clonic seizure', that is, 'epilepsy' in which the whole body contracts, causes delays in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with different types of seizures. For this reason, knowing that epilepsy is not a condition to be afraid of, but a treatable disease, and the treatment of patients with epilepsy "Epilepsy awareness is very important in terms of reducing prejudices," he said.

Sharing accurate information is important to combat labeling

Noting that epilepsy seizures were feared in the past and therefore patients were labeled, Dr. Seda Bostan said, "However, today, epilepsy is a disease that can be controlled with the right treatment and regular follow-up; it is not a situation to be afraid or ashamed of. In order to combat labeling, patients and their relatives can reduce false beliefs about this issue by sharing the correct information with their close circle. Explaining what to do during a seizure at school, at work, within the family and in their social circles will reduce the fear experienced during a seizure. For the patient, receiving support groups and psychological support when necessary will be beneficial in this regard." He spoke.

Pay attention to regular medication use and physician follow-up

Touching on the points that epilepsy patients should pay most attention to, Dr. Seda Bostan warned, "The most important issue that epilepsy patients should pay attention to is to use their medications regularly, not to neglect their follow-up, and to reduce the situations that may trigger seizures as much as possible. It should be known that situations in which the routine is disrupted (sleep pattern change, hunger-thirst, intense stress), situations with intense stimuli (such as loud noise, flashing bright lights), or situations such as infection and surgery can trigger seizures and these should be avoided." Doses may need to be adjusted

Dr. emphasizes the importance of regular check-ups for epilepsy patients. Seda Bostan said, "Epilepsy patients need to go for check-ups at regular intervals, even if they are seizure-free under treatment. Because different types of or 'small' seizures may occur unnoticed, drug doses may need to be adjusted, and drug levels and kidney and liver functions may need to be monitored during the treatment process. In addition, doctor's recommendations should be followed in situations such as swimming, driving and working at height. Regular follow-ups are of great importance in order to make sound decisions."