Date:17/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/17/stories/2008111758310300.htm

Kerala - Kochi

Awareness programme on epilepsy

Staff Reporter

Kochi: Stigma around epilepsy and the lack of awareness continue to be major hurdles in making modern treatment available to all those afflicted with this neurological disorder.

According to experts, about one in every 200 people is affected by epilepsy and it is one of the most common neurological illnesses.

Every year, the National Epilepsy Day observed on November 17 tries to bring about awareness about the disease and the treatment options as well as dispel the misconceptions and myths.

To mark the day, a public awareness programme will be held at the IMA Hall, Warriam Road here at 4.30 p.m. on Monday. K. J. Sohan, Standing Committee chairman, Development, Corporation of Kochi, will inaugurate the programme.

Dr. Anand Kumar, professor and Head of the Department of Neurology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences will be the chief guest of the occasion.

President of the Cochin Neurological Society will preside over the function. Neurologist Dr. Parameswaran and Suchitra Narayanan, president of the Indian Epilepsy Association, Kochi branch, will take classes on various aspects of epilepsy.