Troy Students Launch Project to Raise Epilepsy Awareness

Troy college students launch challenge to boost consciousness about epilepsy

(Cherie Rolfe, October 21, 2025)

TROY, MI – When most individuals consider epilepsy, they think about a seizure. In actuality, epilepsy is a extra advanced neurological situation that impacts greater than 50 million folks worldwide. The misunderstandings contribute to stigmatization and isolation.

Because of this six college students from Troy Excessive Faculty – Ananya Anand, Zana Berishaj, Keyaan Khan Eunah Kim, Sophie Kinaya and Kashvi Mohan – got here collectively to create Undertaking Synara, a non-profit group devoted to destigmatizing epilepsy and educating the general public. The identify itself is a mixture of two key parts of epilepsy: the synapse, the mobile mechanism behind seizures, and the aura, the primary symptom of a seizure that may typically seek advice from the a part of the mind the place it originates.

These college students are working domestically and globally with United Nonprofit to unfold their message far and extensive: Epilepsy deserves the notice and understanding of us all.

As one of many founders, Zana Berisaj, stated, “It is essential to us that folks not solely study epilepsy, but in addition really feel assured about serving to somebody in want. Training and consciousness can save lives and cut back stigma.” By means of their dedication, Undertaking Synara exhibits that consciousness, schooling and empathy can create significant influence in each particular person lives and the broader neighborhood.

Undertaking Synara and its members work to unfold consciousness not solely on social media, but in addition by means of podcasts with consultants within the area and informative seminars, each on-line and in particular person. As well as, they develop academic assets for colleges, create easy-to-follow seizure first assist guides, and work with healthcare professionals to make sure their data is correct and accessible. They put together outreach supplies which are visually interesting to raised seize the viewers’s consideration in an effort to proceed to boost consciousness amongst all demographics.

They plan to assemble college students for the annual Purple Day occasion on March 26 to help analysis and plan to arrange first assist workshops to elucidate assist folks with epilepsy throughout a disaster. By being concerned at a number of ranges, the scholars hope to strengthen their neighborhood in all facets of epilepsy information and understanding.

About half of epilepsy instances nonetheless haven’t any identified trigger. The opposite half could be attributed to genetics, infections, autoimmune illnesses, or structural issues comparable to strokes or head trauma. Researchers proceed to review these causes to raised perceive seizure triggers and develop simpler remedies, together with precision drugs tailor-made to a person’s distinctive neurological profile.

The seizures brought on by epilepsy can look very completely different. They are often convulsive, characterised by stiffening and twitching, or non-convulsive, inflicting non permanent lack of consciousness.

No matter the kind of assault, you will need to perceive assist folks should you witness an assault. The primary and most essential factor to do is to maintain the particular person protected and away from potential risks. Don’t maintain them or put something of their mouths as this may trigger choking or different problems. If potential, time the assault as quickly because it begins and name emergency companies if it lasts greater than 5 minutes. 911 must also be referred to as if respiratory doesn’t return, one other seizure begins, or the particular person is injured, pregnant, or has diabetes. Offering rapid help will help stop damage and relieve the anxiousness that always accompanies assaults.

Epilepsy is life-changing, particularly for the 30 p.c of individuals whose seizures don’t reply to even essentially the most trendy drugs. Folks with epilepsy might face discrimination at work, faculty, or in social settings. Some even have strict driving restrictions, restricted employment choices and psychological well being issues comparable to melancholy and anxiousness. Households of individuals with epilepsy are additionally affected and sometimes want further help to assist their family members. However by creating extra consciousness and acceptance, folks with epilepsy can really feel extra supported by the neighborhood.

On October 25, the Synara Undertaking will host a 3K stroll in Robinwood Park at 2 p.m. Guests are inspired to put on purple. Extra data: Google Doc

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