With 50 million people worldwide living with epilepsy, the World Brain Day being observed on July 22 seeks to create awareness on brain health and prevention of brain diseases through its motto “Epilepsy is more than seizures”. While pointing out that more than 75-80 per cent of people with epilepsy in low income group countries do not have access to medication, the World Federation of Neurology president, Dr. Raad Shakir, in a communication to Indian Academy of Neurology, stated that there was a lack of awareness among public and decision-makers about the severe consequences of epilepsy on individuals concerned, their families and societies.
He said that in terms of years lost from unexpected death, epilepsy ranks second only to stroke among major neurological diseases. This year, WFN is partnering with the World Health Organisation International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) in order to bring greater visibility to this “neglected disease”. About 2.4 million people are newly diagnosed every year.
According to Dr. Emilio Perucca, president of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), at least half the people living with epilepsy worldwide could be treated with medicines for as little as five USD for one year of treatment. An estimated 60,000 people die every year of sudden unexpected death related to epilepsy, apart from other causes of seizures-related mortality.
Epilepsy is the most common of the chronic serious brain diseases and characterised by recurrent seizures due to brief disturbances in the electrical functions of the brain. It can develop at any age. However, the disease is mostly diagnosed before the age of 20 and after the age of 60. People with epilepsy face three to six times greater risk of a premature death.
The theme of the World Brain Day is dedicated to epilepsy this year, according to Dr. Sita Jayalakshmi, a senior consultant neurologist with special interest in epilepsy. She said that around 50 lakh people are affected by epilepsy in India adding that 70 per cent of Indians do not take medicine either due to lack of access to drugs or other reasons like not believing in allopathy.
She said that 70 per cent of people with epilepsy could lead a normal life if the disease is treated. About half of the remaining 30 per cent could be treated with surgery.
Dr. Jayalalakshmi, who is a member of IAN and Indian Epilepsy Society, said sudden deaths were not uncommon due to epilepsy. “That’s why it is important to seek treatment,” she added. Developmental abnormality in brain was one of the common causes for epilepsy in children. Another preventable cause was peri-natal injury. Alcohol, head injuries and brain tumour were among the causes in adults.
At least half the people living with epilepsy worldwide can be treated with medicine for as little as five USD for one year of treatment
– Dr. Emilio Perucca
ILAE president
