International Epilepsy Day is celebrated on 26th of March annually around the world. The name Purple Day was chosen after the international color for epilepsy. The UKC Tuzla Clinic of Neurology with its different activities has joined the worldwide community in supporting the fight against epilepsy. On the occasion of the day, a press conference was held at the University Clinic of Center Tuzla, Clinic of Neurology to inform the public on epilepsy issues, as well as to improve public perception of epilepsy.
During the press conference Prof. Dr. Osman Sinanović said “Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder that can be defined by the unexpected outbreak of the brain’s gray matter, which manifests itself in different ways and in different time intervals. Some of the symptoms of epilepsy are loss of consciousness, convulsions, foaming at the mouth, but epileptic seizures can also manifest through a minimal movement such as eye blinking or short and sudden loss of consciousness.” He also added that the number of people who suffer from epilepsy in Bosnia and Herzegovina corresponds to the prevalence of the disease in the world, which means that 1 to 2% of the general population is affected by epilepsy.
Prim. Dr. Nevzeta Mustafić, neuropediatrician from the Clinic for Children’s Diseases said that patients hide their health condition because of current attitudes toward epilepsy. “I think we all sholud make an effort to fight stigma against people with epilepsy. With our activities we wont to provide support to those who suffer and to show that they are not alone.”
In addition to the press conference the UKC Tuzla Clinic of Neurology will host an event within our local community and organize a public action on 26 March in Bingo City Center, beginning at 11:00 a.m. The medical students, volunteers and members of the Tuzla Canton League Against Epilepsy have also joined in celebration of the day.