THERE are some misconceptions about epilepsy.
Gauteng Epilepsy director Aileen Langley said some families hide their epilepsy patients because they think they're bewitched.
"Some still believe such people are bewitched," she said.
Over the weekend, people living with epilepsy supported by their families took to the streets to make people aware of the condition.
They marched in the streets, with some of them carrying placards to highlight awareness on epilepsy.
People living with epilepsy need attention because sometimes it might be fatal if there's nobody around.
Elizabeth Sindane said her brother suffered epilepsy while sleeping and because he was alone in his room, they became worried when he didn't wake up that day.
"We knocked on his door, but he wasn't opening. It was only when we broke the door open and noticed that he was no more.
"We're marching today to highlight the seriousness of this condition and to ask for more support from the government and private companies," said Elizabeth.
And to the families of the people living with epilepsy to be more cautious, especially those whose condition is severe, seizures can cause injury or make a sufferer tired," said Elizabeth.
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The patients were encouraged to exercise to help them improve their moods and to carry something to identify them in the form of addresses and contacts of relatives in case of seizures.
Some plumbing companies bring products for the patients to assemble to keep them busy and earn cash.
Langley said that this helps to keep people living with epilepsy occupied.
Patients are also taught how to start food gardens and maintain them.
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