Health Secretary Marks Epilepsy Awareness Month
Wednesday November 3, 11:01 am ET
HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of National
Epilepsy Awareness Month, Health Secretary Dr. Calvin B. Johnson
today reminded Pennsylvanians about the facts on epilepsy: there are
more people diagnosed with epilepsy than Parkinson's disease,
cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy combined.
"We support the dedication of the Epilepsy Foundations of
Western/Central and Eastern Pennsylvania to continue to increase the
awareness and eliminate negative stereotypes associated with
epilepsy," Dr. Johnson said. "They work to assist Pennsylvania
families and people who experience challenges associated with the
condition."
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects more than 2.5
million Americans with 181,000 newly diagnosed each year. It is a
physical condition caused by sudden, brief changes in the brain's
electrical balance. When there are excess electrical charges in the
brain, seizures occur, altering awareness, physical movements,
consciousness or actions. Seizures commonly last between a few
seconds and a few minutes with characteristics varying from person to
person. Epilepsy may sometimes be confused with other health
conditions like heart attack, stroke or lack of coordination.
Often, seizures first develop during the pre-school and elementary
school years. About half the time, the cause of epilepsy is not
known. Head trauma, infections, neurological disorders and heredity
may all play a role. While epilepsy is generally a chronic and/or
lifelong condition, seizures can often be controlled with
antiepileptic medications, special diets or surgery.
The Epilepsy Foundations of Western/Central Pennsylvania and Eastern
Pennsylvania offer a variety of support services for children and
adults with epilepsy and their loved ones. For more information about
epilepsy, or to locate available services in your community, go to
the Department of Health's Web site at http://www.health.state.pa.us
CONTACT: Jessica Seiders
(717) 787-1783
SOURCE: Yahoo News (press release)
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/041103/phw012_1.html
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