In Ukraine, a book about the first contact with epilepsy has been released. What is it and how to get it?

On March 26th, the world observes "Purple Day" - a day of epilepsy awareness. Ukraine is not left out of educational events and releases a book about the first contact with epilepsy.

This book is based on materials from the team of epileptologists from The Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto, Canada) and materials from the Resource Center for Epilepsy Issues AboutKidsHealth. The book was developed jointly by the Ukrainian League Against Epilepsy (a union of doctors) and the public organization "EpiEducation." Creation and printing became possible thanks to the charitable assistance of JSC "Pharmaceutical Company Farmak."

A total of 10,000 copies were printed and sent to hospitals across Ukraine. There is also an online version that can be obtained by filling out this form: [link to the form].

What will you find in the book?

1. Facts about epilepsy.
2. Myths about epilepsy.
3. What is epilepsy?
4. What provokes epilepsy?
5. What triggers seizures?
6. Types of seizures.
7. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).
8. Important information for the doctor.
9. Life with epilepsy: questions you need to know the answers to.
10. How can teachers help other students in the class understand what epilepsy is and be tolerant of a child with seizures?
11. About the seizure diary.
12. How can epilepsy be treated?
13. Group of experts helping in the treatment of epilepsy in children.
14. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Side effects.
15. Basic first aid for seizures.
16. Call 103 if...
17. Safety during seizures.

It is worth reminding that, according to unofficial data, in Ukraine, more than 600,000 people suffer from epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological diseases. Globally, there are over 55-65 million people with epilepsy, and many more are somehow affected by it.

The number of patients in Ukraine is growing every day because war, trauma, infections, and cerebral vascular accidents lead to the appearance of this disease, and factors such as lack of sleep, stress, irregular medication intake contribute to treatment resistance. It is important to note that most medical services and a significant number of drugs are free for people with epilepsy. To learn more, visit the NHIA website and familiarize yourself with medical guarantee programs or call 16-77.

By reading this book, you will be able to understand the medical, psychological, and social aspects of epilepsy. You will find out what information about this disease is reality and what is harmful myth. You will understand that epilepsy is a disease that responds well to treatment, and that patients with epilepsy can live in a normal social environment, and you will learn how to provide first aid to a person with epilepsy, which can save their life!

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