Karnataka - Bangalore   

Centre urged to raise awareness on epilepsy

Bangalore: The Union Government should take up programmes to raise awareness about epilepsy which can be treated, V. Parameshwara, former president of the Indian Medical Association, said on Sunday.

Speaking at a function organised here by the Indian Epilepsy Association to mark National Epilepsy Day, Dr. Parameshwara urged Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss to ensure that a short visual advertisement capsule was telecast on the national television channel to dispel misconceptions about epilepsy.

It would also help in raising awareness that epilepsy was treatable, he said.

G.T. Subhas, Dean and Director of the Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, spoke on myths and misconceptions about epilepsy.

Pointing out that epilepsy was not a mental illness, Dr. Subhas said that this disorder could be treated with medication.

“With the right treatment, some people soon stop getting seizures. Between seizures a person with epilepsy is no different from anyone else, he or she is absolutely normal,” he said.

He said that it was a fairly common condition affecting nearly one per cent of the population.

In India, more than 80 lakh people were affected, he added.

“Unfortunately, people have misunderstandings about epilepsy and believe that they cannot lead a normal life,” he added.

Prema Cariappa, Chairperson of the Central Social Welfare Board, expressed concern that epilepsy was associated with social stigma in the country.

Many cases go unreported or undetected because of lack of knowledge and understanding among the people, she said.

People with epilepsy were forced to keep their illness a secret for various reasons. People should not ignore any symptoms and consult a doctor at the earliest, Ms. Cariappa said.

To spread the message that epilepsy is a treatable disease, the Indian Epilepsy Association organised a walkathon. Over 300 people participated in the walkathon that began from Bangalore Medical College.

A skit depicting the misconceptions about the disorder was presented by students from St. John’s Medical College.

President of the association A.C. Sreeram and secretary K.V. Muralidharan were present.

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