Early diagnosis, treatment can help 70 pct epilepsy patients lead normal lives

Early diagnosis and treatment can help 70 per cent of patients with epilepsy a chronic neurological condition to lead normal lives said health experts here on MondayThe World Health Organization WHO estimates that epilepsy affects nearly 50 million people worldwideldquoIndia contributes to 1012 million people over one per cent of the total population and nearly onesixth of the global burden The prevalence in India ranges from 30 to 119 per 1000 population The high incidence has become a serious public health challenge for us and there is an urgent need for early diagnosis clinical interventions and carerdquo Dr Praveen Gupta Principal Director ampamp Chief of Neurology at Fortis Hospital saidSymptoms of epilepsy include sudden numbness body stiffness shaking fainting speech difficulty and involuntary urination Despite its long history awareness about epilepsy remains limitedDr Madhukar Bhardwaj Director amp HOD Neurology Aakash Healthcare said epilepsy is more common among children aged 812 years in India with a fiveyear prevalence rate of 222 per 1000 childrenHowever Gupta noted that the condition is significantly rising in adultsldquoIn children congenital abnormalities and infections dominate while in young adults traumatic brain injuries neurocysticercosis and meningitis are significant contributors In our country neurocysticercosis caused by tapeworm infections accounts for nearly 30 per cent of epilepsy cases Among the elderly strokes and neurodegenerative conditions are leading causesrdquo Gupta saidThe experts also shared on unique challenges faced by women with epilepsy particularly due to the stigma around marriage and pregnancyldquoHormonal changes can exacerbate seizures as seen in catamenial epilepsy while societal attitudes often impact their personal lives Despite this advances in treatment have allowed most women to lead normal lives with modern medications proving safe during pregnancyrdquo Gupta saidldquoTimely diagnosis and treatment can help 70 per cent of patients lead normal lives with proper medication and lifestyle adjustmentsrdquo Bhardwaj saidThe management of the conditions includes antiepileptic medications dietary therapies like the ketogenic diet avoiding alcohol and surgical interventions such as resective brain surgery and vagus nerve stimulationldquoIn the event of a seizure proper first aid is critical Lay the person on their side avoid restraining them and note the duration of the seizure If it lasts more than two minutes seek medical help immediately Contrary to common misconceptions never force objects into their mouth or make them inhale strong smellsrdquo Bhardwaj saidHe also urged individuals with epilepsy to avoid highrisk occupations like driving piloting or factory work involving sharp objects as these could endanger themselves and others during a seizureThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever