Epilepsy Day: 30-40% Patients Use Home Remedies Delaying Appropriate Treatment

International Epilepsy Day, celebrated each year on the 2nd Monday of February, is an opportunity to raise awareness of epilepsy, what it is, how it can be treated, and what is needed to bring treatment to all people who need it.

Symptoms like numbness of the body, shaking of hands & legs, fainting, not being able to speak, falling with standing, difficulty in breathing, stiffness in the body indicates epilepsy.  

It has been pointed out by Apex group of Hospitals that 30-40 per cent of Indian patients and their relatives, however, still take home remedies and inadequate treatment for this disease.

On this occasion Dr. Samir Parekh, Neurosurgeon from Apex group of Hospitals explained, “We can say that Epilepsy is a chronic non-communicable disease of the brain that affects people of all ages. Around 50 million people across the world have epilepsy and so is one of the most common neurological diseases across the world. When feet or seizures occur many times the smell of onion or shoes is immediately given to the patient, but there is no truth in this and it does not benefit the patient. Epilepsy cannot be cured but can be managed with medication and a series of lifestyle changes. Controlling the triggers of the disorder can reduce the number of seizures one experiences. While not skipping medication is most important, there are certain lifestyle factors that can greatly reduce the risk of seizures. Brain damage from prenatal and perinatal injury, Congenital abnormalities, Brain Infections, Stroke and Brain Tumors, Head Injury/ Accidents and Prolonged high fever during childhood are the main causes of Epilepsy. Epilepsy is caused by high fever, stroke, brain injury, stress, imbalance in nerve signalling, alcohol consumption and so on. Many people are unaware of the causes, symptoms, and treatment of epilepsy.”

The neurological condition epilepsy is characterised by unequal brain activity that results in seizures or episodes of odd behavior, sensations, and occasionally loss of cognizance. Epilepsy can attack any person. Men and women of different ages, races, and cultural backgrounds can develop epilepsy. Even though epilepsy is treatable, three-fourths of those affected in underdeveloped nations do not obtain the necessary care.

Approximately 10 to 12 million people in India experience seizures linked to epilepsy, Dr. Samir Parekh added.