Created by Latifa Matter & Ahmed Matter Sources: and Presentation made by Susan R. Rahey Neurophysiology Program Coordinator What is Purple Day? A day dedicated to increasing awareness about epilepsy worldwide. On 26 th March, people from around the globe are encouraged to wear purple and spread the word about epilepsy. Why Purple? Lavender is the international colour for epilepsy. Who started Purple Day? Nine year old Cassidy Megan created the idea of Purple Day in 2008, motivated by her own struggles with epilepsy. With the help of The Epilepsy Association of Nova Scotia and the Anita Kaufmann Foundation, Purple Day was officially launched.
Created by Latifa Matter & Ahmed Matter Sources: and Presentation made by Susan R. Rahey Neurophysiology Program Coordinator Schools around the world wearing purple and spreading awareness.
Created by Latifa Matter & Ahmed Matter Sources: and Presentation made by Susan R. Rahey Neurophysiology Program Coordinator Different businesses and organisations as well encourage their employees to wear purple and spread awareness.
Created by Latifa Matter & Ahmed Matter Sources: and Presentation made by Susan R. Rahey Neurophysiology Program Coordinator What is Epilepsy? A condition of the brain that is characterized by spontaneous, recurrent seizures. Prevalence: % of population Can be caused by any pathology affecting the cortex (genetic, infectious, traumatic, vascular, etc.) According to WHO An estimated number of 50 million people are living with epilepsy and around 35 million have little or no access to treatment.
Created by Latifa Matter & Ahmed Matter Sources: and Presentation made by Susan R. Rahey Neurophysiology Program Coordinator Brain cells communicate with each other by means of tiny bursts of electrical activity. When a group of brain cells have an unexpected erratic electrical discharge, a seizure occurs. When do seizures occur?
Created by Latifa Matter & Ahmed Matter Sources: and Presentation made by Susan R. Rahey Neurophysiology Program Coordinator The Diagnosis: Patient’s medical history is obtained. Patient is then tested. There are different types of tests that can be conducted including: EGG (Electroencephalogram) MRI Scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Created by Latifa Matter & Ahmed Matter Sources: and Presentation made by Susan R. Rahey Neurophysiology Program Coordinator Seizure Classification Secondarily Generalised
Created by Latifa Matter & Ahmed Matter Sources: and Presentation made by Susan R. Rahey Neurophysiology Program Coordinator Antiepileptic Drugs Phenobarbital1912 Phenytoin (Dilantin)1938 Primidone (Mysoline) 1952 Carbamazepine (Tegretol)1960s Valproic acid (Depakene) 1970s NOTE: Plegabalin is not available in Canada Since 1991: Clobazam (Frisium) Vigabatrin (Sabril) Lamotrigine (Lamictal) Gabapentin (Neurontin) Topiramate (Topimax) Oxcarbazepine (Trileptil) Levetiracetam (Keppra) Pregabalin Stiripentol Zonisamide Since 2003: Lacosamide (Vimpat)
Created by Latifa Matter & Ahmed Matter Sources: and Presentation made by Susan R. Rahey Neurophysiology Program Coordinator First Aid for Convulsive Seizures Remain Calm Protect from further injury Do not restrain movement Do not force anything in the mouth Roll the person on their side If a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, or repeats without full recovery SEEK MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
Created by Latifa Matter & Ahmed Matter Sources: and Presentation made by Susan R. Rahey Neurophysiology Program Coordinator First Aid for Non-convulsive Seizures Stay with the person Do not restrain, but gently guide the person away from danger Observe carefully After All Types of Seizures Speak calmly, be comforting and reassuring. The person may be confused for minutes after the seizure ends.
Created by Latifa Matter & Ahmed Matter Sources: and Presentation made by Susan R. Rahey Neurophysiology Program Coordinator Wear Purple on March 26 th and support epilepsy awareness globally. Visit to find out more information about epilepsy.