Epilepsy can be treated

Epilepsy is a treatable condition in the majority of patients, say experts. It is amongst the common neurological conditions. According to the WHO, there are nearly 50 million people with epilepsy worldwide with nearly 12 million residing in India, amounting to nearly one-fifth of the global burden. Every year globally February 12 is observed as International Epilepsy Day.

Epilepsy or seizure disorder, has neurobiological, cognitive, psychological and social consequences. It causes a temporary disturbance of motor, sensory, or psychological function and can cause other health problems. It is estimated that there may be about 12 million people with epilepsy in India, making it to almost one sixth of the global burden” says Dr. Rahul Hanumanthagiri, Neurologist, Apollo Hospital Secunderabad

“It takes around two years for the treatment of epilepsy. And we have seen that compliance to medications is a major issue with only a few of our patients adhering to the regimen. Once patients are seizure free for a few days, they stop medication until they suffer another episode. A lot of people think of epilepsy as a children's illness, you get it when you're young, and then you have it throughout your life. There are a lot of reasons that you can get it, anywhere from an infection, a stroke, head injuries, too much alcohol, things like that can all provoke a seizure.” says Dr Simachal Mishra, neurologist, Max cure hospital, Hyderabad.

Epilepsy is quite a serious problem in India. People should understand that it is a controllable disease. Epilepsy is an electro-clinical syndrome. It is diagnosed by electroencephalography (EEG) and neuro imaging using CT/ MRI (brain). Most of the epilepsies are curable or can be controlled with appropriate medicines. We have seen that compliance to medications is a major issue with only a few of our patients adhering to the regimen. Once patients are seizure free for a few days, they stop medication until they suffer another episode

Surgery is advised in some selected cases when medications fail to deliver results. Surgery benefits vary from helping reduce falls from seizure, decreased number of epileptic attack, halt progressive neurological deficit and in some cases may make patient seizure and drug free for life.

Seizures are dangerous. It can lead to accidents and other occupational hazards, depending on the types of work. It poses a huge risk, especially those who work at high-rise buildings or near water which could lead to drowning.