Epilepsy, a much-misunderstood disease

Jyoti Shelar, Mumbai Mirror, Mar 25, 2011, 12.45pm IST March 26 is marked as the day for busting myths about epilepsy, a much-misunderstood disease. Ever since Lance Armstrong went global with his fight against cancer and gave the disease a yellow elastic wristband to symbolise with, all other diseases worth their germs have a colour associated with the fight against them. Epilepsy has been vested with the colour purple in order to educate and create awareness about the much-misunderstood disease. Mumbai-based neurologist Dr Janak Nathan has been handed the reins for the job. Purple day, as it's called, will be organised on March 26th, when the doctor and his team of volunteers will take to Mumbai's streets, talking and educating people about the disease. Started in 2008 by nine-year-old Cassidy Megan in Nova Scotia, Canada, who also suffered from the disease, Purple day is the Epilepsy Association's effort to take this fight global. "The colour purple is associated with isolation and solitude. Due to myths and superstitions associated with the disease, many patients are isolated from society. The day will help in making people aware about the disease," says Nathan. Read the rest of the article here.