Accurate information and empathy highlighted in epilepsy awareness

Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services (VSHS) Electroneurophysiology Program and the Electroneurophysiology Club, operating under the Department of Health, Culture and Sports, jointly organized the “March 26 Epilepsy Awareness Day” event within the scope of March 26 Epilepsy Awareness Day. During the event, academics and experts addressed topics such as the accurate diagnosis of epilepsy, the importance of EEG applications, first aid information, and social awareness. The program, which was also attended by students and doctors from different universities, as well as industry representatives, garnered significant interest with the aim of increasing epilepsy awareness and preventing misinformation. 

The seminar held at Üsküdar University Çarşı Campus Emirnebi Conference Hall was attended by VSHS Director Asst. Prof. Ömer Faruk Karasakal, Electroneurophysiology Program Head Instructor Recep Yılmaz, Head of Acıbadem University Department of Neurology Prof. Murat Aksu, Prof. Candan Gürses from Koç University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Prof. Sema Saltık from Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Department of Child Health and Diseases, Administrative and Education Officer of Health Sciences University Haseki Training and Research Hospital Neurology Clinic Prof. Özlem Çokar, Instructor Nelis Bosnalı from Üsküdar University Operating Room Program, and Electroneurophysiology Expert Technician Eda Yaşar from Marmara University Training and Research Hospital Clinical Neurophysiology Child EEG-EMG Unit. 

Asst. Prof. Ömer Faruk Karasakal: “Our aim is to increase empathy”

VSHS Director Asst. Prof. Ömer Faruk Karasakal, who delivered the opening speech of the event, emphasized that epilepsy is not only a medical problem but also a health issue that directly affects individuals' educational, social, and psychological lives. 

Karasakal underlined that they aim to spread accurate information and increase empathy; “With this activity, we aim to break societal prejudices by disseminating correct information. We believe that every increase in awareness will create a multiplier effect in society. Our goal is to enhance empathy and understanding towards patients and their families.” he stated. 

Instructor Recep Yılmaz: “Information is the most effective treatment method”

VSHS Electroneurophysiology Program Head Instructor Recep Yılmaz discussed the history of the “Purple Day” movement, initiated in 2008 by 9-year-old Cassidy Megan and symbolizing solidarity. 

Yılmaz stated that there are 65 million epilepsy patients worldwide and 800,000 in Türkiye; “Epilepsy is not a mystical fear but a chronic neurological process. Misinformation, such as trying to put something in a patient's mouth during a seizure, can be more harmful than the situation itself. Information is the most effective treatment method.” he said.

Prof. Murat Aksu: “Clean EEG is essential for accurate diagnosis”

Head of Acıbadem University Department of Neurology Prof. Murat Aksu highlighted technical details, stating that EEG is the most important electrophysiological method in the diagnosis of epilepsy.

Aksu stated; “A technician who does not know good EEG cannot perform other neurological procedures. Our goal is to obtain the most accurate clinical result with a noise-free, rule-compliant, and perfectly clean EEG recording. Clean EEG is essential for accurate diagnosis.” he used the expressions. 

Prof. Candan Gürses: “Epilepsy is not a disability, but an awareness”

Prof. Candan Gürses from Koç University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, evaluating the clinical outcomes and societal perception of the disease, addressed the issue of “stigma” faced by individuals with epilepsy. 

Gürses, giving examples of famous emperors and artists in history, said; “Epilepsy is not an intellectual disability. There are many types of seizures, such as focal and generalized. The important thing is to know these differences and improve the patient's quality of life with correct intervention without labeling them. Epilepsy is not a disability, but an awareness.” he said. 

Prof. Sema Saltık: “Not every attack is epilepsy”

Prof. Sema Saltık, Child Neurology Specialist at Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa, stated that childhood seizures can differ in their course from those in adults.

Saltık, drawing attention to “absence” seizures that lead to school failure and sudden movements observed during sleep, said; “Not every attack is epilepsy. It should not be confused with febrile convulsions or breath-holding spells. For accurate diagnosis, it is critical for families to record the seizure moment and for the technician to test the patient's awareness during the recording.” she said.

Prof. Özlem Çokar: “Childhood epilepsy requires close monitoring”

Administrative and Education Officer of Health Sciences University Haseki Training and Research Hospital Neurology Clinic Prof. Özlem Çokar drew attention to the relationship between pediatric epilepsy and sleep.

Çokar emphasized that childhood epilepsy has different dynamics than adults; “Childhood epilepsy requires close monitoring. Sleep is an important factor affecting the occurrence of epileptic seizures. Especially in child patients, seizures are often triggered during sleep or by sleep deprivation.” she said.

Instructor Nelis Bosnalı: “Correct intervention saves lives”

Instructor Nelis Bosnalı from Üsküdar University VSHS Operating Room Services Program addressed first aid in epilepsy and common misconceptions in society.

Bosnalı stated that incorrect interventions during a seizure can create serious risks; “Correct intervention saves lives. Trying to insert any object into the mouth of an individual experiencing an epileptic seizure or intervening by force is wrong and dangerous.” she used the expressions.

Expert Technician Eda Yaşar: “Quality EEG recording is the basis of accurate diagnosis”

Expert Technician Eda Yaşar from Marmara University Training and Research Hospital Clinical Neurophysiology Child EEG-EMG Unit discussed practical EEG training and the responsibilities of electroneurophysiology technicians.

Yaşar emphasized the importance of technical knowledge and careful application in EEG recording; “Quality EEG recording is the basis of accurate diagnosis. It is of great importance for electroneurophysiology technicians to master correct electrode placement and recording quality.” she said.  

Strong participation from different universities…

Students and academics from different universities showed great interest in the event. The program, which saw participation from various provinces, especially Istanbul, included; Istanbul Şişli Vocational School, Health Sciences University, Rumeli University, Gelişim University, Trakya University, Doğuş University, Medipol University, Şehit Hakkı Doğan School, and Istanbul Aydın University. Additionally, doctors and electroneurophysiology technicians from various hospitals in Istanbul also attended the seminar.

Industry support attracted attention

Teknikel Ticaret ve Sanayi A.Ş. also provided support as a device sponsor for the seminar. 

Yunus Sümer, representing the company, participated in the event and met with the attendees.