New Delhi, December 2 (IANS). Health experts have said that early detection and better treatment of epilepsy (nerve related disease) can help 70 percent of the patients suffering from it to lead a normal life.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 50 million people worldwide suffer from epilepsy.
Dr Praveen Gupta, principal director and head of Neurology at Fortis Hospital, told IANS: “10-12 million people in India suffer from epilepsy, which is more than one per cent of the total population and about one-sixth of the global total. The figure is between 3.0 to 11.9 per 1,000 population. This is becoming a serious public health challenge for us. There is a need to act soon.
Symptoms of epilepsy include sudden numbness, body stiffness, trembling, fainting, difficulty speaking and uncontrolled urination (involuntary urination). This disease has been going on for a long time. Despite this, there is lack of awareness among the people regarding this.
Dr. Madhukar Bhardwaj, Director and Head of Neurology Department, Aakash Healthcare, said that epilepsy is common in children aged 8-12 years in India. 22.2 out of 1,000 children have been affected by this disease in the last 5 years.
However, Gupta said the condition is on the rise among adults as well.
Gupta said, “In children, congenital disorders and infections are the major causes, while in young adults, traumatic brain injury, neurocysticercosis and meningitis are important factors. Neurocysticercosis, caused by tapeworm infection, accounts for about 30 percent of epilepsy cases in our country. Stroke and neurodegenerative conditions are the major causes in the elderly.
Experts also spoke about the unique challenges women with epilepsy face regarding marriage and pregnancy.
“Hormonal changes can exacerbate the problem, as seen in catamenial epilepsy, while societal attitudes often impact their personal lives,” Gupta said. Despite this, advances in treatment have allowed most women to lead normal lives. Because modern medicines have been proven safe during pregnancy.
Bhardwaj said, “With timely detection and better treatment, 70 percent of patients can be helped to lead a normal life through appropriate medication and a specific lifestyle.”
Treatments to deal with these conditions include anti-epileptic medications, diet therapy such as the ketogenic diet, abstinence from alcohol, and surgical interventions such as resective brain surgery and vagus nerve stimulation.
Bhardwaj also urged people with epilepsy to avoid risky jobs like driving, flying planes or working in a factory that involve sharp objects, as these can put themselves and others at risk during seizures. .
–IANS
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