Notice to Readers: National Epilepsy Month -- November 1999
November is National Epilepsy Month. Epilepsy is a central nervous system disorder, characterized by unprovoked recurrent seizures, that affects approximately 2.3 million persons in the United States. Of these, approximately 300,000 are school-aged children.
Many persons in the United States do not know how to appropriately assist a person having a seizure; some incorrectly believe they should place something in the seizing person's mouth or restrain movements. However, both actions can be harmful. Instead, anyone assisting a seizing person should loosen clothing, remove objects the person may bump against or hit, and remain nearby to help the person move to a chair or couch when the seizure ends.
The Epilepsy Foundation has launched the "Be Seizure Smart" campaign as the focus of this month's activities. The campaign is a nationwide initiative directed at schools to dispel myths and to educate school staff about effectively responding to students during seizures.
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