🤔 What Causes Epilepsy?

In many people, we don't know the exact cause. But some common causes in Africa include:

• High fever in children (especially when not treated early)
• Head injury (from road accidents, fights, or falls)
• Infections like malaria, meningitis, or neurocysticercosis (from pork tapeworm)
• Birth injury (lack of oxygen during birth)
• Family history (it can sometimes run in families)

⚠️ Signs of a Seizure

• Falling suddenly
• Jerking or shaking of arms and legs
• Staring blankly or being confused
• Drooling or biting the tongue
• Losing control of urine or stool
• After the seizure, the person may sleep or feel tired

❌ Epilepsy is NOT:

• A curse
• Caused by witchcraft
• A punishment from ancestors
• Contagious (you cannot catch epilepsy by touching someone)

💊 Can Epilepsy Be Treated?

Yes! Epilepsy can be treated with daily medicine. These medicines:

• Control seizures
• Help people live normal lives
• Must be taken every day, even if you feel fine

➡️ Go to a clinic or hospital for the right medicine. Do not stop taking it unless the doctor says so.

🚑 What to Do During a Seizure

1. Stay calm
2. Remove dangerous objects nearby (fire, sharp tools)
3. Do not put anything in the mouth
4. Lay the person on their side
5. Wait for the seizure to stop (usually less than 5 minutes)
6. Take them to the hospital if:
   • It is their first seizure
   • It lasts longer than 5 minutes
   • They do not wake up after
   • They are injured

✅ How to Support a Person with Epilepsy

• Encourage them to take medicine every day
• Let them go to school or work
• Do not isolate or shame them
• Teach children and neighbors that epilepsy is not evil

🙏🏿 Cultural Beliefs and Misunderstanding

In many places, people think epilepsy is spiritual. This can lead to:

• Delay in treatment
• Use of harmful traditional methods
• Stigma and fear

Instead, combine respect for culture with correct medical care. Faith and medicine can work together.

🛡️ How to Prevent Some Causes of Epilepsy

• Treat malaria and fever quickly, especially in children
• Drive safely and wear helmets
• Ensure clean birth practices
• Avoid pork that is not well-cooked
• Take pregnant women for antenatal care

🧑🏿‍⚕️ Where to Get Help

• Primary health centers and government hospitals
• Faith-based clinics
• Epilepsy support groups (available in some towns)
• Trained community health workers