Purple Day: Raising Awareness and Supporting My Son with Epilepsy
- Carron Huggett
- Mar 26
- 3 min read
Today, March 26th, is Purple Day—a globally recognised day for epilepsy awareness. For my family, this day holds a particularly deep significance, as my eldest son lives with epilepsy. Just recently, he suffered a seizure that led to a broken shoulder. Watching him go through this experience has reinforced just how challenging and unpredictable epilepsy can be, not just for him but for our entire family.
Understanding Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes repeated seizures due to sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain. While anyone can have a one-off seizure, epilepsy is diagnosed when there is a high likelihood of recurring seizures. It affects around 630,000 people in the UK, meaning that 1 in every 100 people lives with this condition.
Seizures come in many forms. Some may involve a person remaining aware but experiencing unusual sensations or movements, while others cause a complete loss of awareness, stiffening, and jerking. Following a seizure, recovery time varies—some people bounce back quickly, while others need time to reorient themselves.
The Hidden Impact of Epilepsy
Many people don’t realize that epilepsy is often classified as a disability. This means that financial support and resources, such as a Blue Badge, may be available to those who qualify. Epilepsy can also lead to physical injuries like fractures and bruising due to falls during seizures, as my son unfortunately experienced. Additionally, it is linked to higher rates of anxiety and depression, adding another layer of challenge for those living with the condition.
Finding the Right Treatment
Managing epilepsy typically involves anti-seizure medications (ASMs). For about half of those diagnosed, the first medication they try helps control their seizures. Others may need to try different combinations, and for around a third of people, medications alone do not fully control seizures. In such cases, treatments like brain surgery, vagus nerve stimulation, or the ketogenic diet may be explored.
Staying Active with Epilepsy
Exercise can play a vital role in managing epilepsy. Activities like walking or jogging for at least 45 minutes a day can help strengthen the immune system and reduce stress, which may lower seizure frequency. My family tries to incorporate this into our routine by going for walks together in the park—it’s not just beneficial physically, but mentally as well.
What to Do If Someone Has a Seizure
Knowing how to help someone during a seizure can make all the difference. Here’s what you should do:
During the Seizure:
Stay calm and remain with them
Clear the area to prevent injury
Place something soft under their head
Loosen tight clothing
Do not restrain them or put anything in their mouth
Time the seizure
Look for a medical ID
After the Seizure:
Turn them onto their side to aid breathing
Stay with them until they are fully alert
Reassure them and explain what happened
Offer assistance if needed
When to Call for Emergency Help:
If it’s their first-ever seizure
If the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes
If they have multiple seizures in a row
If they experience breathing difficulties
If they suffer a serious injury
A Message of Awareness and Support
Purple Day is a reminder that epilepsy doesn’t just affect individuals—it affects families too.
It’s a condition that can be unpredictable, frightening, and frustrating, but with awareness, support, and the right treatment, those living with epilepsy can lead fulfilling lives.
For my son, every day is a battle, but it’s one he faces with incredible strength. As his family, we will continue to support, advocate, and spread awareness, not just today but every day.
If you or a loved one has epilepsy, know that you are not alone. There are resources, communities, and medical professionals who can help. Together, we can create a more understanding and supportive world for those living with epilepsy.
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