Epilepsy Walk Takes Place This Sunday (24) in Vitória

Starting from the City Hall of Vitória at 9 AM, the awareness event about the neurological disease will proceed through the streets of the capital to the Legislative Assembly

As a way to raise awareness about epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures and other symptoms, March is considered Purple Month. During this period, people around the world follow information and movements to promote and encourage the fight for the social, professional, and economic inclusion rights of people with epilepsy. In Vitória, this Sunday, March 24, at 9 AM, a walk for Epilepsy will take place, starting from the City Hall of Vitória to the Legislative Assembly. Led by Jacqueline Barros, ambassador of the Brazilian Epilepsy Association (ABE) in Espírito Santo, participants are encouraged to wear purple clothing in reference to the campaign color. According to the ambassador for the cause in the state, this year's walk has a dual purpose. "The first is to shed light on the cause of Epilepsy, whose World Day is celebrated on March 26. Besides Espírito Santo, other states will also host the walk. In São Paulo, for example, Avenida Paulista is expected to be filled with the color purple. The second reason for choosing this route is to thank the city councilors for approving the Bill and to reaffirm to the Mayor the importance of his sanction, arriving at the Assembly to echo the information among the state deputies," she explains. City Council Approves Bill On February 28, the Municipal Chamber of Vitória unanimously approved Bill 102/2023, authored by Councilor Leandro Piquet. The law, which awaits the sanction of Mayor Pazolini, will direct the municipality's public policies towards the cause of epilepsy. Additionally, it established March 26 as Epilepsy Awareness Day in Espírito Santo. "This is just the beginning of a huge amount of work still to be done, and with this support we have just received, I have no doubt that we will be able to climb step by step and achieve all the rights that people with epilepsy have and deserve to have a life with autonomy and quality. Education, proper treatment, access, and especially minimizing the prejudice and stigma that this disease has carried for so many years," says an emotional Jacque Barros. Statistics Worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that 5 million people are diagnosed with epilepsy each year. In Brazil, the Ministry of Health identifies about 2% of the population affected by the problem, representing approximately 2 million Brazilians. Data from the World Health Organization also reveal that in high-income countries, it is estimated that 49 out of every 100,000 people are diagnosed with epilepsy each year. In low- and middle-income economies, this number can reach 139 per 100,000. The WHO assesses that the higher incidence is due to the risk of endemic diseases, such as malaria or neurocysticercosis, a higher number of injuries caused by traffic and childbirth, as well as variations in medical infrastructure. About 80% of people with epilepsy live in low- and middle-income countries. Learn more about Epilepsy: How does epilepsy arise? There is no precondition or a specific origin for developing epilepsy. However, people who have suffered some brain injury, such as victims of stroke (AVC), or any trauma during childbirth are more susceptible to developing the disorder. How to identify? Experts emphasize that although seizures are the most well-known and depicted manifestation of epileptic crises, they are not the only warning factor of the disease. There are crises that only alter consciousness and perception, which may also have motor and sensory changes, causing the person to feel "out of it." They may move their mouth, involuntarily move their arms, and upon returning, not remember anything. Diagnosis occurs when there is a repetition of the crisis. In cases where the seizure lasts five minutes or more, there is a strong indication that the disease is already in an advanced stage. It is essential to seek a neurologist in any case. Is there treatment? Treatment is based on medications that inhibit involuntary electrical discharges in the brain. The Unified Health System (SUS) also provides all necessary treatment and medical follow-up from the diagnosis of the disease. One of the substances that is under constant study and has already shown effective results in controlling epileptic seizures is Cannabidiol (CBD), also known as Medical Cannabis.