World Epilepsy Celebrations

INAGURAL FUNCTION OF WORLD EPILEPSY DAY BY DR.BASAVANA GOWDAPPA PRINCIPAL JSSMC DR.S.HARSHA, DR.B.S.KESHAVA, DR.KVEERABHADRAPPA, DR.K.A.SUDHARSHANA MURTHY

World Epilepsy Day was celebrated by the Department of Neurology JSS Hospital on 17th November 2009 in a novel way by conducting a "Patient Awareness/ Education Program”. The idea was to provide comprehensive information about epilepsy to the patients, their family members and caregivers, also address all issues concerning this disease and try to resolve their doubts by interaction.

The program was held at Sri. Rajendra Auditorium, JSS Hospital, Mysore on17th November 2009. The programme was inaugurated by Dr. H. Basavanagowdappa,Professor of Medicine & Principal, JSS Medical College, Mysore. Delivering the key-note address he stressed the
importance of educating the patient and public in order to eradicate the social stigma attached to epilepsy. Dr.K.A.Sudharshana Murthy, Professor and Head Medicine spoke on the need to emphasize the importance of regular medications and compliance so that the patient can be completely seizure free. Dr.K.Veerabhadrappa Medical Superintendent of JSS Hospital spoke on the role played by the family members and care givers in empowering the patient. Patient education lectures by Dr.Harsha,S, Dr.B.S.Keshava, Neurologists JSSMC&Hospital, detailed the clinical features, causes of epilepsy and the available treatment modalities, duration of treatment and advances in the treatment. Dr.Ambareesh Bandiwada, Professor,OBG addressed the problems faced by an epileptic lady during pregnancy and the advised on precautions to be followed by women of child bearing age withepilepsy.Dr.Narayanappa Professor and HOD of peadiatrics spoke on issue of children with seizures. Dr.T.S.S.Rao Prof and HOD of Psychiatry dealt behavioral problems in epilepsy and the role his family plays in this aspect. These lectures were followed by a very lively inter-active session with the audience. Later there was a very good video presentation on epilepsy, management issues and advice.