With the availability of new medicines, advanced medical care and increased awareness of the condition, it has become possible for a person with epilepsy, known as second most common neurological disorder, to lead a good life.
According to medical experts, more than 5 lakh newborns are born with epilepsy in India. While the number of adult epilepsy cases has increased by 20 per cent in the last one decade due to head injuries, nearly 95 per cent patients don't receive any treatment. While 60 per cent of people in urban India consult a doctor after suffering a seizure, only 10 per cent in rural India would do so, medical experts say.
“Despite various efforts across the world to create awareness about epilepsy, a lot of misinformation still persists. This prevents patients from seeking proper medical treatment. We need more awareness programs that will reiterate that epilepsy is a disease like any other and that people with epilepsy are no different from others,” Dr. Anshu Rohtagi, Senior Consultant Neurologist, Sir Gangaram Hospital said.
