According to the physician, some of the causes leading to the development of epilepsy may be linked to congenital brain anomalies or infections contracted during childhood.

‘In middle-aged individuals, the most common causes are traumatic brain injuries (accidents), as well as brain tumors or infections. In the elderly, the most frequent causes include cerebrovascular accidents (ischemia or cerebral hemorrhages), brain tumors, trauma, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and less commonly, dementia (premature brain aging),’ she stated.

The neurologist states that ‘epilepsy does not have warning signs and may manifest as an immediate loss of consciousness, frequent falls without awareness, with or without convulsions (uncontrolled contractions and movements of the body).
“However, in rarer cases, signs that precede seizures, known as auras, may appear. These are symptoms that occur a few seconds before the onset of a seizure. They alert patients that something is about to happen and may help them take preventive measures. Any individual who experiences brief episodes (lasting seconds to a few minutes) with strange sensations in the body, involuntary facial movements, or loss of consciousness should consult a neurologist,” emphasized Dr. Quka.”

Dr. Quka asserts that there are various forms of epileptic seizures, ranging from brief episodes of numbness in the hand or arm, involuntary movements or contractions of a hand/arm or face, strange sensations of anxiety or hallucinations lasting only a few seconds (such as olfactory or visual hallucinations), to seizures with loss of consciousness, falls, with or without involuntary limb movements.

“This means that not all types of epilepsy present with dramatic signs such as falling to the ground, convulsions, or foaming at the mouth. In some cases, when seizures occur during the night, individuals living alone may not be aware, but they may recognize the aftermath, such as involuntary urination, tongue biting, or shoulder dislocations, which can occur during convulsive seizures while sleeping,” she continued.

Dr. Quka advises that individuals with epilepsy and frequent seizures should not be alone at heights or near water, nor should they drive, as they could cause accidents during a seizure. Regarding lifestyle, it is important to avoid large amounts of energy drinks, caffeine, alcohol, or drug use.
“Patients with diabetes need to better manage their condition and avoid sweets, as uncontrolled diabetes directly impacts the frequency of seizures,” Dr. Quka states.
Dr. Quka also emphasizes to ATA that stigma and prejudice against patients with epilepsy are widespread in our society, which causes many of them to suffer from anxiety or depression and to become socially isolated.
“I believe that these patients should be encouraged, as most of them can integrate very well into society, live normal lives with the appropriate treatment, receive education, and be employed just like anyone else. Lifestyle plays a crucial role in the lives of patients with epilepsy, as it has a direct impact on the frequency or reduction of seizures,” she continued.
Dr. Quka recommends that patients with epilepsy have regular consultations with a neurologist, adhere to prescribed medications, and follow a healthy lifestyle for improved quality of life.”
Dr. Quka recommends that patients with poorly managed seizures seek specialized consultations at the epilepsy clinic at the University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa” for a more expert opinion and new treatment options.
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In an interview with British journalist and photojournalist Robert Hackman, who has produced a documentary on Bektashism in Albania, Prime Minister Rama stated that “Bektashism is a very unique order and a national treasure for us. Unlike other communities that are part of larger constellations and can rely on long chains of solidarity and support for educating new clergy or building their infrastructure, the Bektashis are the sole masters of their own fate and do not belong to any other constellation.”

“That’s why it’s so important to do everything possible to keep them alive—otherwise, they will face extinction. By granting them a special status, I’m confident it will help them generate better income and secure the place they deserve beyond the country’s borders,” said Rama.

When asked what an independent Bektashi state signifies for the Albanian people and for Europe, Rama described it as “a meaningful symbol, albeit modest in size. It consists of just a small plot of land, a few hectares that they already possess and where their center is located. For Albania, however, it represents a treasured part of the national heritage, and for the community, it stands as a safeguard ensuring their continued existence and protection from extinction.”

When asked whether other religious communities in Albania might feel favoured or discriminated against by this initiative, Rama responded, “There is no reason for that. This is not a competition between Albanian religious communities where one is favoured over another. The Bektashis are a community that relies solely on themselves, while Sunni Muslims, Orthodox Christians, and Catholics belong to much larger constellations and have reference points abroad, as well as many opportunities to educate their imams or priests. That’s why I see no reason for anyone to feel they are being treated unequally.”

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Berisha assured the attendees at the meeting that under the next government, roads and public works would be built at least five times more than what has been done in the past 12 years, accusing the current officials of engaging in shocking levels of embezzlement of public funds.

“Building a road for 20 million euros per kilometer, when Croatia builds the same kind for just 1.7 million, means you’re a brazen thief,” Berisha said.

According to Berisha, Prime Minister Rama is copying the Democratic Party’s program.

“While we have made the minimum promise for a basic standard of living and are committed to delivering it within the first 100 days—ensuring that every Albanian, every pensioner, every unemployed person, every recipient of economic assistance, every student, every orphan, and every child of a single mother will receive 200 euros—he claims he will raise the minimum pension to 200 euros by 2030. This man has no respect for the Albanian people! He looks down on them!” said Berisha.

“I assure you that no salary will ever be lower than 500 euros again. Every pensioner and every citizen on a basic living wage will have a consumer card, allowing them to purchase food and essential goods at 20% less than the prices paid by those with higher salaries. They will receive 450 euros back annually,” Berisha added.

The Chairman of the Democratic Party emphasized that with the implementation of these measures, the country will not fall into a crisis. “We will restore hope, we will restore trust. We will honor those who deserve it, and they fully deserve it,” said Berisha.

Berisha also focused on education, assuring teachers, parents, and students that modernizing education will be a major priority.

“We will double the budget. Teachers’ salaries will reach 1,500 euros and will keep increasing. There will be no education staff downsizing. The number of students per class will be reduced. We will fully digitalize the education system and introduce new technologies,” Berisha said.

According to him, the GPA for university admissions will be scrapped. “The fees, which are currently among the highest in Europe, will be reduced to symbolic amounts or waived altogether,” he added.

Berisha also stressed that a “Great Albania” is impossible without healthcare services.

“That’s why we have decided, and I promise you here today, that the list of reimbursable medications will be exactly the same as that of the Italian Republic—100% reimbursable. I assure you, the healthcare budget will be doubled,” he emphasized.

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At this special time of the year, we want to extend our heartfelt and sincere wishes for a new year full of health, happiness, and success! Throughout the year approaching its close, we faced challenges and celebrated milestones, and we take pride in having served you by delivering the most important news and updates from Albania and beyond. With your trust and support, we have been able to grow and improve every single day.

For ATA, this year has been a journey full of impactful events that showcase the efforts, successes, and experiences of Albania and Albanians across the globe.

From daily reporting to the stories and features that bring us together, we have been there for you, sharing every news and delivering the most accurate and reliable content.

We will continue to stand by your side, sharing the stories and events that impact your lives, just as we will keep promoting the values and beauties of our beloved Albania.

We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of journalism, always prioritizing your interests and the truth.

We sincerely thank you for your invaluable trust and support. Wishing you a New Year filled with joy, peace, and prosperity! May this year be a new journey of opportunities and successes for all of us.

Wishing you a Happy New Year 2025!

With appreciation and respect,

The Albanian Telegraphic Agency Team

The Head of State met with a group of US citizens serving in our country, the Chargé d’Affaires in Albania, and staff members of the U.S. Embassy, thanking them for their work and wishing them a Merry Christmas.

Archbishop Arjan Doda thanked the President for his unifying role and his mature and peaceful stance, emphasizing that our society needs messages of hope, peace, and reconciliation.

“In a world struggling with overlapping challenges, Christmas is a call to rebuild bridges of understanding and enhance the spirit of unity among us. It reminds us that no hardship can dim the light within us when we act with love and faith,” said Begaj.

President of the Republic also extended his greetings to the Evangelical Church headquarters in Tirana for its believers. He was received by Pastor Ergest Bitri, the leader of the church and Chairman of the Evangelical Brotherhood of Albania.

The Head of State emphasized that on this holy day, everyone should be thankful to God for the blessings received and share these blessings through help and support for the poor, the disadvantaged, and the needy.

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In Albania, Christmas was reintroduced as a celebration after the 1990s, when religious faith, which had been banned by the dictatorship, was restored.

The Christmas dinner is preceded by a day of fasting, during which the foods to be served at the evening celebration are prepared.

The Christmas Midnight Mass was celebrated at the “St. Paul” Cathedral, while the service at the “Resurrection of Christ” Orthodox Cathedral in Tirana took place this morning.

Christmas was also celebrated at the St. Ndou Church in Laç, a place that gathers thousands of citizens from all faiths.

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This innovation makes the Albanian archive the only one in Europe that offers every document online and for free.

Today, Prime Minister Edi Rama posted an informational video on social media about the General Directorate of Archives platform, which makes the “Study Room” accessible from home.

“On the ‘Online Study Room’ platform, you can access archival documents for free at any time, both in Albania and abroad, following the same procedure and format as if you were physically present in the Study Room in Tirana,” announced Rama.

As part of the successful process of digitizing documents, the DPA is assisting researchers by making archival material easily accessible.

For two consecutive months, based on this online study platform, requested document files will be available for consultation free of charge.

This initiative is mainly aimed at students, who, along with benefiting from reduced rates for accessing bibliographic resources during their academic work, are also encouraged to delve into the history and national documentary heritage.

With around 19 million digitized documents in the 2019-2024 period, the DPA represents the most digitally advanced central archive in Europe.

The documentary collection of the DPA is accessible anytime and anywhere, thanks in part to the opening of archival corners in dozens of cities both within Albania and abroad, where archival materials are made available just like in the Study Room in Tirana.

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Rama wrote in a post on his social media account that Mother Teresa is the woman of peace in the world.

Rama paid tribute to Mother Teresa, quoting her as saying, “Take a minute to think, take a minute to pray, take a minute to smile.”

Mother Teresa was canonized on September 4, 201612. She is widely revered as a saint and one of Albania’s most influential national figures. Saint Teresa Canonization Day is observed on September 5. Mother Teresa was the founder of the Order of the Missionaries of Charity, a Roman Catholic congregation of women dedicated to the poor, particularly to the destitute of India.

Mother Teresa (baptized August 27, 1910, Skopje, Macedonia, Ottoman Empire [now in Republic of North Macedonia]—died September 5, 1997, Calcutta [now Kolkata], India; canonized September 4, 2016; feast day September 5) was the founder of the Order of the Missionaries of Charity, a Roman Catholic congregation of women dedicated to the poor, particularly to the destitute of India. She was the recipient of numerous honours, including the 1979 Nobel Prize for Peace.

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“Thank you to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel for hosting high officials in Jerusalem. The strong ties between Albania and Israel are confirmed in the Pole consultations. Aliza Bin Noun presenting Sokol Dedja with recognition for rescuing local Jews and sheltering Jews from other countries,” the embassy wrote in a tweet.
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She renewed appeal to students to strictly abide by the measures, the mask use and personal hygiene rule.

“Open schools and in-person classes require heighten attention and responsibility of everyone,” Education Minister said in a message on Tuesday, urging students to respect personal hygiene rules and the measures against the pandemic.

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