Approximately 80 per cent of epilepsy patients reside in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in poor socioeconomic strata
The enduring effects of epilepsy reach beyond seizures, affecting interpersonal relationships, career, finances, and social status. Alongside other factors, this influence may lead to feelings of dejection, disinterest, and depression. Regrettably, epilepsy cases frequently escape detection, are underreported, and go undertreated, intensifying the difficulty of rehabilitating individuals with epilepsy.
One of the leading neurologists, from Amrita Hospital, Kochi, expressed concern over the rising underdiagnosis of epilepsy. She has highlighted the current trend of an aging population, anticipating a rise in the overall incidence and prevalence of epilepsy. Approximately 80 per cent of epilepsy patients reside in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in poor socioeconomic strata. Many newly diagnosed epilepsy patients are older individuals.
Dr Siby Gopinath, Epileptologist and Professor of Neurology, Amrita Hospital, Kochi, emphasised the urgent need for action considering recent findings on the state of epilepsy in India. She said, “Epilepsy is one of the common neurological disorders, and in India itself, we have more than 1,00,00,000 patients affected with epilepsy. India faces a profound treatment gap, leaving 22 per cent untreated in urban areas and a staggering 90 per cent in rural regions. However, the gravity of the situation extends beyond numbers. The importance of addressing the complexities of epilepsy, to ensure comprehensive and effective healthcare solutions for the affected population, cannot be overstated.’’
Various factors contribute to the risk of epilepsy in younger age, including premature birth, low birth weight, low oxygen or blood glucose levels at birth, structural malformations in the brain etc. Additional risk factors involve, infections like meningitis, cerebral palsy, developmental disabilities, autism, a family history of epilepsy. Conditions like stroke, brain tumors and late-stage dementia can cause epilepsy in old age.
Epilepsy presents with a myriad of symptoms. loss of consciousness jerking of hands and legs, falls, and frothing from the mouth, loss of bowel and bladder control are classical symptoms.
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