GETTING AWARE IS THE FIRST STEP TO BEAT EPILEPSY

It is estimated that more than 50 million people are living with epilepsy around the world. Amongst them more than 50% of individuals are not receiving treatment. We need to do better in the aspect of creating more awareness. Together we can work to bring epilepsy out of the shadows and reduce its impact on society and individuals.

While there are many different types of epilepsy, they all involve sudden bursts of electrochemical activity in the brain. These bursts cause seizures, which can have a variety of symptoms. In some cases, it can cause life-threatening seizures. While some myths about epilepsy are still common, most of these misconceptions stem from the lack of appropriate information says "Dr. G.V. Subbaiah Chowdhary, Senior Consultant Neurologist, Star Hospitals"

Myth 1: Epilepsy is only common in children

Fact 1: Epilepsy can occur at any age

Myth 2: You shake and jerk when you have epilepsy

Fact 2: Not every seizure means a person shakes or jerks. There are a types of seizures which have different presentations and can affect people differently.

Myth 3: Epilepsy is a mental illness

Fact 3: No, Epilepsy is not a mental illness

Myth 4: People with epilepsy are disabled and can't work

Fact 4: Majority of the People with this condition can perform well  

Myth 5: Epilepsy is contagious

Fact 5: No, you can't catch epilepsy from another person

Myth 6: People with Epilepsy can't get married

Fact 6: Majority of them can get married but women must consult gynaecologist and neurologist from time to time

While Epilepsy can affect people of all ages and genders. Women are likely to experience  conditions that can lead to or increase the risk of seizures, such as hormonal changes, menstrual irregularities, stress, migraines & mood swings. Planning and during pregnancy, women must be extra cautious when it comes to epilepsy. Studies show that the risk for having a seizure during pregnancy increases significantly, so adequate precautions should be taken to ensure safety for both mother and baby. The most important thing to do is speak with your doctor about your condition and understand what could happen if you have a seizure.

What to do when someone has a seizure?

• Gently roll the person on one side, so that they can breathe easily  
• Put something soft under his head to protect him from getting injured
• Keep other people out of the way
• Clear hard or sharp objects away from the person
• If a seizure lasts for more than 5 minutes or patient is unconscious or any injury or drowning, call for medical help & take the person to the nearest hospital immediately

DON’TS

• Avoid giving water or food when patient is having seizure or unconscious
• Don't try to hold them down or stop the movements

Seek professional help before performing certain physical tasks such as Driving, Swimming or Climbing Heights. Consult your doctor if you are getting seizures on regular basis.

TREATMENT OF EPILEPSY

• Epilepsy is usually treated with anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). Epilepsy medicines act on the brain, trying to reduce seizures or stop seizures from happening
• When medications fail to control seizures, reassess whether the patient is having real seizure, whether the patient is taking drugs regularly, whether the drug is appropriate for that particular seizure.
• If patient is still having seizures in spite of taking adequate and appropriate medication regularly, surgery maybe an option to treat Epilepsy after the workup

Book Appointment: Dr. G.V. Subbaiah Chowdhary, Senior Consultant Neurologist, Star Hospitals