‘Nu haan ammu i-manage, adda certainty for complications…’ – Dr. Aranca on importance of raising awareness on Epilepsy, recalling he was epileptic

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Drawing from his own childhood experiences, Kalinga Provincial Hospital OIC-Chief, Dr. Rey Aranca, emphasized the crucial importance of being informed about epilepsy and knowing how to properly manage it to avoid complications.

Aranca made the statement during the First Epilepsy Camp initiated by KPH on November 22 at the Kalinga Children’s Conference Hall. The event aimed to empower parents and guardians of patients living with epilepsy. Speaking before participants, Aranca shared that he was epileptic as a child and recalled how his mother would helplessly cry whenever he had seizures

“Anya ngay iti aramiden ni mother ko but just to cry ta awan iti ammu na nga ikasta na, ta awan met knowledge na nu kasano mang-handle iti emergency cases like seizures,” he recounted.

He stressed that proper handling of seizure attacks is crucial for the patient, saying, “Isu garud ibagbagak nga nu adda iti kastoy idi baka ammu iti parents ko iti emergency management kasi nu haan mo ammu, adda iti certainty nga adda iti complication na.

For this reason, Aranca immediately supported the First Epilepsy Camp when it was first proposed by Dr. Grael Kub-aron, KPH child neurologist, underscoring how the camp can help increase understanding of how one can manage family members with epilepsy.

“This was organized by our neurologist ditoy Kalinga Provincial Hospital, and in-suggest na piman nu mabalin iti kasdiay, ket of course makatulong met daytoy. Kasi dagitoy parents adu iti haan da ammu talaga iti epilepsy, so that’s the main reason nu apay na-stage daytoy — to raise awareness ken tapnu maisuro nu anya dagiti dapat aramiden nu adda attacks,” Aranca said.

According to KPH data, around 100 patients with epilepsy have sought medical assistance from the hospital.

During the Epilepsy Awareness Camp, over 50 participants listened to lectures and participated in an open forum being done simultaneously in other other parts of the country.

The particpants said they are grateful for the initiative of the KPH as the camp has been a way to help them understand more about the medical condition and will be able to manage their afflicted family members better.

“Agyaman kami iti KPH iti daytoy nga camp, and to Doctor Kub-aron ta ado ti naadal mi. Sapay koma ta agtuloy-tuloy ti kakastoy nga activities tapno maamuwan pay toi ad-ado nga tattao tapno makatulong da met kadagiti epileptic patients,” said one Mother.