Timely Diagnosis and Treatment Enable 70% Epilepsy Patients Live Normally: Experts

New Delhi: Health experts emphasize that early diagnosis and treatment can enable 70% of epilepsy patients, a chronic neurological disorder, to live normal lives. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that epilepsy affects nearly 50 million people globally, with India contributing to 10-12 million cases, or about 1% of the population. The condition's prevalence in India ranges from 3.0 to 11.9 per 1,000 people, making it a significant public health concern. Experts stress the urgent need for timely diagnosis and appropriate care to address this growing challenge.

Dr. Praveen Gupta, Principal Director & Chief of Neurology at Fortis Hospital, told IANS, "The high incidence of epilepsy in India is a serious public health challenge. There is an urgent need for early diagnosis, clinical interventions, and care." Epilepsy symptoms include sudden numbness, body stiffness, shaking, fainting, speech difficulty, and involuntary urination. Despite being a long-known condition, awareness remains limited in many parts of the country.

Dr. Madhukar Bhardwaj, Director & HOD Neurology at Aakash Healthcare, highlighted that epilepsy is more prevalent in children aged 8-12 years in India, with a five-year prevalence rate of 22.2 per 1,000 children. However, Dr. Gupta noted a significant rise in cases among adults. "In children, congenital abnormalities and infections are the main causes, while in young adults, traumatic brain injuries, neurocysticercosis, and meningitis contribute significantly. Neurocysticercosis, caused by tapeworm infections, accounts for nearly 30% of epilepsy cases in India," said Gupta. For the elderly, strokes and neurodegenerative conditions are the leading causes of epilepsy.

Experts also discussed the unique challenges women with epilepsy face, particularly regarding stigma around marriage and pregnancy. "Hormonal changes can worsen seizures, especially in catamenial epilepsy. Societal attitudes also affect women's personal lives," Dr. Gupta explained. However, he emphasized that advances in treatment have enabled most women with epilepsy to lead normal lives, with modern medications being safe during pregnancy.

According to Dr. Bhardwaj, timely diagnosis and treatment allow 70% of epilepsy patients to live normal lives with proper medication and lifestyle adjustments. Treatment includes antiepileptic medications, dietary therapies like the ketogenic diet, avoiding alcohol, and surgical interventions such as resective brain surgery and vagus nerve stimulation.

For individuals with epilepsy, experts stress the importance of first aid during a seizure. "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," Dr. Bhardwaj advised. He also cautioned against high-risk occupations like driving or operating heavy machinery, as seizures could endanger both the individual and others around them.