March 26th is « Purple Day» (Purple Day) held all over the world. This is an annual international event that aims to raise awareness of a disease such as epilepsy.
One day, nine-year-old girl Cassidy Megan, suffering from epilepsy, decided to show other people that she was no different from them. Over the course of his nine years, the child had already experienced some neglect from adults and peers, who did not perceive her disease quite adequately, considering it something of a mild form of madness.
To dispel myths about the disease, Cassidy came up with « Purple Day» in 2008. On this day, March 26, everyone can express support for people who live with a diagnosis of «epilepsy».
The girl's initiative was supported first by the Nova Scotia Epilepsy Association, and then by other organizations around the world. Already in 2009, 100 thousand students, about 100 public associations and over 100 famous politicians joined Purple Day, and the television tower in Toronto was painted purple for one evening.
Since then, information about the disease and first aid that can be provided to people suffering from it has been disseminated around the world on March 26. Conferences of epileptologists and psychiatrists are timed to coincide with Purple Day, who are called upon to resolve current issues of epilepsy therapy and share experience in the successful treatment and use of antiepileptic drugs. Epileptological centers host festive events and promotions for patients. In addition, auctions, fairs, concerts and sports competitions are held to raise funds for those who are unlucky enough to live with this diagnosis.
There are many such people in the world. Epilepsy is considered one of the most common chronic neurological diseases in humans. With it, one of the areas of the cerebral cortex begins to work too actively. It suppresses and subdues the rest of the neurons. As a result, all cortical cells are covered by synchronous excitation. An attack occurs: convulsions, loss of consciousness, fall (the Russian name for the disease — «fall» is associated with this feature). The cause of such an overactive area may be head injury, stroke, meningitis and some diseases.
According to WHO, about 1% of the world's population suffers from epilepsy, which is 65 million people. But only 25% of them receive adequate drug treatment. But it is important to know that modern medications make it possible in 70% of cases to completely free a person from seizures. Such drugs are effective and low-toxic, and do not affect the psyche and mood. Epilepsy – is one of the few chronic diseases in which achieving lasting remission is possible: people study, work, start families and give birth to healthy children, that is, lead a normal, fulfilling life.
There is evidence that many famous people suffered from epilepsy. Among them are Julius Caesar, Alexander the Great, Nostradamus, Dante Alighieri, Ivan the Terrible, Napoleon Bonaparte, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Alfred Nobel, Vincent van Gogh.
Ancient Greeks and Romans called epilepsy «divine intervention» and «Hercules disease». One medieval spirit summoning manual stated that if not properly prepared for the rite, a magician may experience an epileptic seizure.
The purple (or lavender) color was not chosen as the symbol of the Day by chance. It is believed that this color has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, reducing anxiety, phobias and fears. Therefore, on March 26, all participants in the Day’s events, or simply caring people, pin purple ribbons or put on purple clothing, thus expressing their support for people with epilepsy.
• Infographics – poster «March 26 — Purple Day (Epilepsy Day)»