Neurologists in both private and government hospitals have been creating awareness since February 12 when the International Epilepsy Day was observed.
Epileptic patients are often advised against participating in sports and exercise, mostly because of fear, over-protection, and ignorance about the specific benefits and risks associated with such activities.
But, research evidence suggests that physical exercise and active participation of PWEs in sports may favourably affect seizure control, in addition to producing broader health and psycho-social benefits, M.A. Aleem, president, Tamil Nadu Puducherry Association of Neurologists (TAN), said.
Situation in Tiruchi
In Tiruchi region, the epilepsy prevalence is 5.7 per population of 1,000, as per the latest statistics. Sixty to seventy cases for every one lakh population is reported every year.
And among epileptic patients, males constiute 61.10 % and the rest account for females. Of the affected persons, 29.85 % are below 18 years and 14.21 % above 60 years.
About 67.18% of epileptic patients in the district have tried traditional healing approaches before they got anti epileptic medications, he said.
Epilepsy being a rarely talked about condition, the must be utilised by educational institutions as an opportunity for spreading awareness on the treatments and support systems available, Dr. Aleem, who is also former Vice Principal, K.A.P. Viswanatham Government Medical College , said.
The child with epilepsy may need different support services during his/her educational years such as remediation therapy, shadow teaching and some concessions during exams. Living with epilepsy warrants learning about epilepsy and the associated conditions by the patient as well as family members; and being prepared for the seizures through identifiable triggers such as lack of sleep, illness or fever, stress, bright lights, flashing lights, skipping meals, or overeating. Most often, a combination of factors trigger a seizure, Dr. Aleem explained.
Lack of knowledge
The ailment, Dr. Aleem observed, was a serious problem in India, since only 10% of the affected people consult a doctor after suffering a seizure, compared to 60 % in urban places in the country.
The lack of knowledge on anti-epileptic treatments and drugs, poverty, cultural beliefs, stigma, poor health infrastructure, and shortage of trained professionals contribute to the treatment gap.
Epilepsy was earlier considered a mental health disorder. With advancement in diagnosis and epidemiological studies, epilepsy is now considered a neurological disorder that could be treated with oral antiepileptic medicines. Patients with epilepsy must be provided with anti-epileptic medical treatment and with therapy, remedial learning and cohesive family-social support. People with epilepsy respond to treatment approximately 70% of the time, Dr. Aleem explained.
Call for action
The resolution adopted by the World Health Assembly (WHA) in 2015, calling for coordinated action, is a powerful tool to assist countries implement effective action to improve medical and social services for people living with epilepsy, promote public awareness about epilepsy and allocate resources towards epilepsy research, according to Dr. Aleem.
