PURPLE DAY 2022 EPILEPSY AWARENESS DAY EPILEPSY IS CURABLE - M.A.ALEEM NEUROLOGIST TRICHY TAMILNADU INDIA

PURPLE DAY 2022 EPILEPSY AWARENESS DAY 

EPILEPSY IS CURABLE 

- M.A.ALEEM NEUROLOGIST TRICHY TAMILNADU INDIA 

Epilepsy is a chronic noncommunicable disease of the brain that affects around 50 million people worldwide. It is characterized by recurrent seizures, which are brief episodes of involuntary movement that may involve a part of the body (partial) or the entire body (generalized) and are sometimes accompanied by loss of consciousness and control of bowel or bladder function.

Seizure episodes are a result of excessive electrical discharges in a group of brain cells. Different parts of the brain can be the site of such discharges. Seizures can vary from the briefest lapses of attention or muscle jerks to severe and prolonged convulsions. Seizures can also vary in frequency, from less than one per year to several per day.

One seizure does not signify epilepsy (up to 10% of people worldwide have one seizure during their lifetime). Epilepsy is defined as having two or more unprovoked seizures. Epilepsy is one of the world’s oldest recognized conditions, with written records dating back to 4000 BCE. Fear, misunderstanding, discrimination and social stigma have surrounded epilepsy for centuries. This stigma continues in many countries today and can impact on the quality of life for people with the disease and their families.

Signs and symptoms

Characteristics of seizures vary and depend on where in the brain the disturbance first starts, and how far it spreads. Temporary symptoms occur, such as loss of awareness or consciousness, and disturbances of movement, sensation (including vision, hearing and taste), mood, or other cognitive functions.

People with epilepsy tend to have more physical problems (such as fractures and bruising from injuries related to seizures), as well as higher rates of psychological conditions, including anxiety and depression. Similarly, the risk of premature death in people with epilepsy is up to three times higher than in the general population, with the highest rates of premature mortality found in low- and middle-income countries and in rural areas.

A great proportion of the causes of death related to epilepsy, especially in low- and middle-income countries, are potentially preventable, such as falls, drowning, burns and prolonged seizures.

Facts on Epilepsy 

Epilepsy is a chronic noncommunicable disease of the brain that affects people of all ages.

Around 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological diseases globally.

Nearly 80% of people with epilepsy live in low- and middle-income countries.

It is estimated that up to 70% of people living with epilepsy could live seizure- free if properly diagnosed and treated.

The risk of premature death in people with epilepsy is up to three times higher than for the general population.

Three quarters of people with epilepsy living in low-income countries do not get the treatment they need.

In many parts of the world, people with epilepsy and their families suffer from stigma and discrimination.

Treatment

Seizures can be controlled. Up to 70% of people living with epilepsy could become seizure free with appropriate use of antiseizure medicines. Discontinuing anti-seizure medicine can be considered after 2 years without seizures and should take into account relevant clinical, social and personal factors. A documented etiology of the seizure and an abnormal electroencephalography (EEG) pattern are the two most consistent predictors of seizure recurrence.

In low-income countries, about three quarters of people with epilepsy may not receive the treatment they need. This is called the “treatment gap”.

In many low- and middle-income countries, there is low availability of antiseizure medication. A recent study found the average availability of generic antiseizure medicines in the public sector of low- and middle-income countries to be less than 50%. This may act as a barrier to accessing treatment.

It is possible to diagnose and treat most people with epilepsy at the primary health-care level without the use of sophisticated equipment.

WHO pilot projects have indicated that training primary health-care providers to diagnose and treat epilepsy can effectively reduce the epilepsy treatment gap.

Surgery might be beneficial to patients who respond poorly to drug treatments.

Prevention

An estimated 25% of epilepsy cases are preventable.

Preventing head injury is the most effective way to prevent post-traumatic epilepsy.

Adequate perinatal care can reduce new cases of epilepsy caused by birth injury.

The use of drugs and other methods to lower the body temperature of a feverish child can reduce the chance of febrile seizures.

The prevention of epilepsy associated with stroke is focused on cardiovascular risk factor reduction, e.g. measures to prevent or control high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity, and the avoidance of tobacco and excessive alcohol use.

Central nervous system infections are common causes of epilepsy in tropical areas, where many low- and middle-income countries are concentrated. Elimination of parasites in these environments and education on how to avoid infections can be effective ways to reduce epilepsy worldwide, for example those cases due to neurocysticercosis.