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KNYSNA NEWS - Monday, 12 February was the start of National Epilepsy Week and to raise awareness about the disorder, Epilepsy South Cape Karoo branch organised an eventful week.

The activities ranged from visiting schools and businesses, awareness at clinics, a Valentine’s Day fashion show, a candlelight ceremony, a fun day at the centre and a run.

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Epilepsy is a chronic, neurological disorder that causes interference with the brain’s electrical system. 

This change in electrical impulses may cause brief changes in movement, behaviour, feeling or awareness, explained branch director Lee-Ann van den Bergh during the candlelight ceremony at Knysna Primary School on Wednesday 15 February.

Van den Bergh quashed some of the myths associated with disorder and said that people living with epilepsy can lead a normal life as she cited the example of American rapper Lil Wayne.

She explained that seizures, abnormal movements or behaviour due to unusual electrical activity in the brain, are symptoms of epilepsy. 

However, she said, one seizure doesn’t mean a person has epilepsy.

“Approximately 10% of the population will have seizures, and approximately 1% will be diagnosed with epilepsy, which is more common in males than females” she said.

The Epilepsy SA local branch wrapped up their week with a run at Loerie Park on Saturday 17 February.

The local epilepsy centre held a Valentine's Day fashion show on Wednesday 14 February.

Reflecting on their awareness week, branch manager Debra Warne said, "It was absolutely fantastic, we got so much positive feedback. 

"The turnout at the candlelight was amazing and more than anything, our patients were uplifted and felt loved and special."

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Adding to this, she said, their biggest challenge is getting funding and extended an invitation to people who are in a position to fund the centre to contact her, Debra Warne, on 044 382 2155/6.

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