KNYSNA NEWS - National Epilepsy Week kicked off yesterday, Monday 8 February, with the celebration of International Epilepsy Day. In honour of the week, the Epilepsy SA South Cape/Karoo branch in Knysna seeks to set the record straight on epilepsy.

All you need to know about epilepsy:

What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a tendency to have recurrent seizures. Seizures (or convulsions) occur when there are abnormal electrical discharges in the brain which may be triggered by chemical imbalances or a structural abnormality. 

The term “epilepsy” covers a variety of seizure types that differ in cause, nature, severity, management and long-term outcome.

What causes epilepsy?
Some people develop epilepsy because of brain damage brought on by injury (to the head or at birth), infection (e.g. encephalitis or meningitis), hormonal problems, circulatory problems, alcohol or drug abuse or tumours. 

This is known as symptomatic epilepsy. However, in most cases (66%) the cause remains a mystery (idiopathic epilepsy).

Some people with epilepsy may identify triggers that bring on seizures. These could include stress, hormonal changes or illness. A particular type of epilepsy is triggered by visual stimulation such as flashing lights or a flickering TV or computer screen. This is photosensitive epilepsy.

Living with epilepsy
You are likely to feel rather stunned and confused when first told that you have epilepsy. However, this is not a disaster. 

You may certainly need to make some small changes in your lifestyle, but the most important thing is to know and understand as much as possible about epilepsy and how it affects you. 

Life with epilepsy can have its ups and downs, no matter how well-controlled your seizures are. Accept the limitations the condition may impose on you from time to time and love life to the fullest.

Living with epilepsy may have its problems, but with the right attitude these can be overcome.

Remember these three very important facts:

1. People with epilepsy are still able to do physical and intellectual work.
2. People with epilepsy should not be treated differently.
3. People with epilepsy are not bewitched/cursed.

What does the Epilepsy South Cape/Karoo branch do?

We are a specialised residential care facility for 50 adults who cannot live independently or support themselves due their medical condition. Our residency is now their home and their fellow residents are their family. 

We have specialised nursing staff on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week and a residential social worker who takes care of their psychosocial needs. 

The holistic health of our residents is our top priority.

Part of our outreach programme is to collect 25 mentally and physically disabled adults in our community who are unable to be left home alone while their caregivers go to work. We bring them to our day care programme at our centre and do various activities with them, such as literacy and numeracy, fine motor coordination, puzzles and board games, arts and crafts and dance and exercise activities. 

We also offer care, education and support to those living with or affected by epilepsy in the greater community of the Southern Cape/Karoo area.

Without the continued support of generous individuals we would not be able to continue to offer the specialised care and support that we give our residents and those affected by epilepsy, as well as those with other related disabilities still able to live at home with their families.

How can you help us to help others?

Make a monetary donation and we will send you an IT 18A tax certificate to help ease the tax burden. Send your contact details to marketing.sck@epilepsy.org.za to receive your tax certificate.

Epilepsy South Cape Karoo Branch, FNB, Cheque/Current Account, Acc No 52 704 622 531, Ref: Donor’s Name

Support our charity shop in Long Street, Knysna or donate your gently used household goods for us to sell.

You could also become a volunteer, which is an extremely rewarding way to make a difference and give back to your community.

For any inquiries please contact marketer, PRO and fund raiser Ashleigh Smith on 044 382 2155 or email marketing.sck@epilepsy.org.za.

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