‘Epilepsy is treatable - don’t hide it’
| Date :18-Nov-2020 |
Principal Correspondent :
“Epilepsy is treatable and preventable disease of the brain. There are more than 50 million patients of epilepsy all over the world and 24 lakh people are newly diagnosed every year. Nearly 80% of the people with epilepsy live in low- and middle-income countries,” commented Dr Chandrashekhar Meshram, President of Tropical Neurology Group of World Federation of Neurology. “If epilepsy is suspected, don't hide it and consult doctor for proper diagnosis. If treatment is started early, majority of the patients with epilepsy can be cured. It is a good news that whatever medicines are available in western world for treatment of epilepsy are also available in our country and at much lower prices.
Proper diagnosis is crucial, as there are other conditions which look like epilepsy but actually are not epilepsy,” said Dr Gagandeep Singh, Epilepsy Specialist and Secretary of Indian Academy of Neurology. 70 % of the patients of epilepsy can be completely cured and others can be helped to lead better life. However 80% of patients of epilepsy in low income countries are still untreated because of lack of knowledge about this disease and non-availability of medicines. In India there are about 12 million persons with epilepsy. Main reason for recurrent epileptic attacks is not taking the medicines regularly as per doctor's advice. Special attention should be given during festivals and functions.
Diwali, by and large is not very happy for epileptic patients and some patients get breakthrough seizures. The possible reasons could be air pollution, sound pollution, change in diet, excitement, lack of sleep and missing of medicines. Dr Sangeeta Rawat, Head of Department of Neurology at KEM Hospital, Mumbai elaborated, “There are various types of seizures and type of seizure depends on which area of the brain is involved. A person having epilepsy may experience an alteration in behavior, consciousness, movement, perception and or sensation. In majority of cases the cause for epileptic seizure is known and includes abnormalities of brain development, stroke, head injuries, infections, brain tumours, genetic causes or brain damage during and after birth. Some of these causes are preventable.
Epilepsy can occur at any age. One in 200 persons has a chance of getting epilepsy during their lifetime.” According to Dr Neeraj Baheti, Secretary of Nagpur Epilepsy Society, epilepsy is considered a major social stigma in many parts of our country and there are various misconceptions about epilepsy so many patients do not consult doctors. Dr Neeraj Baheti is Neurologist at CIIMS hospital. “Patients with epilepsy do not have more chance of developing COVID-19 infection. However due to infection and fever, epileptic attack may get precipitated in those with epilepsy. Those who have severe coronavirus infection with associated encephalitis can develop attack of epilepsy for first time,” stated Dr Nirmal Surya, Chairman of Epilepsy Foundation. Family members and people with epilepsy and should not hide their condition, consult a doctor, take treatment regularly and lead normal life.
Do’s and Don’ts
Dr Sanjay Ramteke, noted Neurophysician and President of Nagpur Epilepsy Society provided the do’s and don’ts during attack of epilepsy
DO NOT
n Put anything in the person's mouth
n Try to hold down or restrain the person
n Forcibly attempt to open the clenched teeth.
n Bring Shoes, Chappals, Onions near the nose
DO
n Stay calm
n Turn person on one side, position mouth towards ground
n Protect head, remove glasses, loosen tight neckwear
n Help to avoid injury
n Stay with the person until full awareness
n Call ambulance if seizure lasts more than 5 minutes