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International Epilepsy Day is a global event celebrated on the 2nd Monday in February each year is an initiative taken by the International Bureau of Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) to raise awareness of epilepsy.
It is close to the celebration of Valentine’s Day, and interestingly, it is commonly believed that Valentine suffered from epilepsy. The BIE and ILAE are represented in more than 120 countries and this is a great opportunity to highlight the challenges faced by people with epilepsy, their families and caregivers, in all regions of the world.
The common thread is the desire to draw the attention of the public, professionals and governments to the need for better awareness and understanding, appropriate legislation, improved diagnostic and treatment services and research. increased to improve the lives of all people affected by epilepsy. the world.
What are the signs and symptoms of epilepsy?
Recurrent seizures are the main symptom of epilepsy. However, depending on the type of seizure, the symptoms may be different for each person. If you notice any of the following symptoms in a person, especially if they continue to occur, it is essential to see a doctor. These are the following:
Seizures that are not accompanied by a change in temperature or the development of fever
Episodes of blackout, sudden inexplicable memory gaps or confusion
Frequent episodes of fainting with involuntary urination or bowel movement
The patient is unable to understand what is going on and does not respond to questions or instructions for some time
Patient’s body becomes stiff without any cause
Psychological symptoms such as fear or anxiety – the patient may have a panic or anger attack
Unexplainable change in sensory perceptions, for example a different perception of smell, sound or touch
The arms and legs move involuntarily, in jerky movements
What are the different causes of epilepsy?
In most cases – around 50% – there is no known or apparent cause of epilepsy. Various conditions that impact the brain can lead to the development of seizures. While some people may be genetically prone to epilepsy, certain infections such as viral encephalitis, worm infestation, tuberculosis or head trauma, brain tumors, prenatal lesions may increase the risk of epilepsy. .
Is there a cure for epilepsy?
Currently, there is no definitive cure for most types of epilepsy, but treatment options ranging from medication to surgery are effective in managing the condition and in most cases can prevent seizures from recurring. With the right treatment, for most people, about 75% of people with epilepsy can lead normal lives without seizures, and 20 to 30% of people with epilepsy (PWE) have spontaneous seizure remission without treatment.
What is the Epilepsy Treatment Gap in India?
India unfortunately has a large scale of the treatment gap, ranging from around 22% in the urban middle class population and even more in villages, around 90%. This is due to a range of reasons, including inadequate access or knowledge of anti-epileptic drugs, low income, stigma and cultural beliefs associated with epilepsy, insufficient health infrastructure and a shortage of professionals trained in epileptology. , an inequitable distribution of resources available in rural areas and high cost of treatment.
What are the main objectives of the celebration of International Epilepsy Day?
International Epilepsy Day was created with the aim of promoting good laws to ensure respect for the human rights of people with epilepsy and to enable them to enjoy the best quality of life. The following messages should be reiterated –
The stigma associated with epilepsy still exists, which is considered a silent disease
Even though it is treatable, around 40% of people from richer countries still do not receive the right treatment
National health systems suffer a huge financial burden due to this lack of treatment
The main obstacles to improving the quality of life of an epileptic patient remain the lack of adequate research and legislation.
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