Coming across people
with unprovoked seizures in public places may be due to epilepsy. Epilepsy is a
neural and brain disorder. An estimated 10 million people are living with
epilepsy. Patients with epilepsy face many hardships due to the stigma
associated with it. Poverty and low awareness about epilepsy lead to challenges
in day-to-day activities. Also, getting the proper treatment for epileptic
patients is a challenge.
Causes
Genetic conditions play
a role in the case of epilepsy. Any blood relatives having the disorder pass it
on to the next generation. Head injury, stroke, brain tumor, etc, are some of
the other causes. Infections of the brain, such as meningitis and encephalitis,
can lead to epilepsy. Metabolic problems and drug and alcohol-addicted people
are prone to epilepsy.
Symptoms
Seizure is the main
symptom of epilepsy. Loss of consciousness, uncontrolled muscle movement,
severe jerking, etc, are the symptoms. Loss of speech, urinating without any
control, and blank staring are other symptoms. Sudden seizures lead to falls on
the ground, resulting in severe injury. Anxiety and fear set in on an
individual. Complications arise when an epileptic individual has seizures while
swimming, walking, etc.
Medication
Medication holds the key
to recovery from epilepsy. People with epilepsy can have seizures within a
24-hour gap. Intake of prescribed medicines helps to a great extent for
epileptic patients. People who have epilepsy increase the risk of sudden death.
Various medicines are
available to control seizures. Anti-epileptic drugs containing valproic
acid help to prevent seizures. Doctors tell them to take regular
medications to control seizures.
Surgery of the affected
area of the brain can give positive results. A PET scan of the brain shows
changes in brain metabolism and chemistry. It helps to check patients with
epilepsy.
Pregnancy and congenital
disabilities
Pregnant women have the chance of delivering babies with defects. Seizures during pregnancy can have fatal effects both for the mother and the fetus. A sudden fall will lead to miscarriage and other birth complications. Babies also suffer from neonatal seizures.
Babies with cleft
palate, neural tube, skeletal problems, etc., are typical. Limb deformity,
urinary tract problems, etc, can occur.
Men on sodium valproate
increase the risk of autism or other neurodevelopmental issues in newborns.
Contraception will prevent passing onto babies till anti-epileptic drugs are
on.
Outlook
Extensive research is
happening in this field. A UK-based teenager had a brain implant fitted with a
deep brain stimulation (DBS) device. The device sends electrical signals deep
into the brain, reducing daytime seizures by 80 percent.
In India, many epileptic
patients are on the receiving end when it comes to care and recovery. Many
parents keep the disorder under wraps due to the social stigma attached.
Children fail to concentrate on their studies, which leads to lifestyle
challenges. Reluctance to visit a clinic and discuss the disorder takes a toll
on the recovery path. The rural population suffers the most due to low
awareness.
Awareness and timely medications hold the key to recovery.
