‘Narigat ti addaan anak nga epileptic… makasangit ka ag-seizure attack. Agyaman kami KPH ti tulong ditoy FIRST Epilepsy Camp’ - Parent of epileptic child

Tabuk City, Kalinga – To empower parents and guardians of children living with epilepsy to better manage the condition, the Kalinga Provincial Hospital (KPH) held its first-ever Epilepsy Camp on November 22 at the Kalinga Children’s Conference Hall and Wellness Center in Bulanao—equipping participants with essential knowledge on the nature of the disease and how to properly respond to seizures.

Epilepsy, as defined by the World Health Organization, is a chronic noncommunicable disease of the brain that affects around 50 million people worldwide. It is characterized by recurrent seizures and may be accompanied by loss of consciousness and loss of control of bowel or bladder function.

According to KPH child neurologist Dr. Grael Kub-aron, around 100 patients with epilepsy are currently being managed at KPH. She explained that the Epilepsy Camp was organized to raise awareness of the disease, especially since clinical hours are often not enough to fully explain its nature to patients and their guardians as doctors must attend to one patient after another.

During the event, the participants—parents and guardians along with their children with epilepsy—listened to a series of lectures that discussed the nature of the condition, its risks and triggers, and what to do during a seizure episode. One of the reminders was to avoid placing objects such as spoons in the patient’s mouth during an attack.

“Narigat ti agkaroon ti anak nga epileptic… makadanag ken makasangit kami nu adda seizure attack. Nu dadduma, di mi ammo aramiden mi. Daytoy nga Epilepsy Camp ket dakkel ti tulong na kanyana mi nga parientes. Agyaman kami ti KPH,” said one of the parents who attended.

After the plenary sessions, Dr. Kub-aron answered questions from participants, further explaining what parents and guardians can do to manage their children’s condition and how they should respond during seizure episodes.

Another participant, Charlita Cimafranca, guardian of her 18-year-old granddaughter with epilepsy, shared with GURU Press Cordillera her experience when she first witnessed her granddaughter’s seizure. While she has since learned to attend to her needs, Cimafranca said she joined the event to become better informed and educated.

“I came in spite nga permi iti tudo ket kunak nga maybe adda something good nga maadal mi idiay. Kasdiay iti adda iti heart ko isu nga we came. I know nga daytoy ket adu iti ma-benefit mi as guardians to help diay granddaughter ko, isu nga we pay attention,” she said.

Showing his support, KPH OIC–Chief of Hospital Dr. Rey Aranca was also present during the event.