Epilepsy, a neurological disorder that causes recurrent seizures, affects nearly 1.5 million women of reproductive age in India, according to experts who spoke on International Epilepsy Day on Monday. The experts highlighted the need for tailored care and support for these women, who face various challenges and stigma due to their condition. The experts also urged for more awareness and timely intervention for people suffering from epilepsy, which affects about 50 million people worldwide.

Epilepsy: A Common and Treatable Disorder

Epilepsy is a common and treatable disorder that affects the brain and causes abnormal electrical activity, resulting in seizures. Seizures can vary in type, frequency, and severity, and can affect different parts of the body and consciousness. Seizures can be triggered by various factors, such as stress, sleep deprivation, alcohol, drugs, infections, head injuries, and metabolic disorders.

Epilepsy can be diagnosed by a neurologist, who can perform various tests, such as electroencephalogram (EEG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and blood tests, to confirm the condition and identify the cause. Epilepsy can be treated by anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), which can reduce or stop the seizures, and by surgery, which can remove the part of the brain that causes the seizures. Epilepsy can also be managed by lifestyle changes, such as avoiding triggers, following a regular sleep pattern, and maintaining a healthy diet.

Epilepsy and Women: A Special Concern

Epilepsy and women have a special relationship, as women face unique challenges and issues due to their condition. Some of these challenges and issues are:

Hormonal changes: Women with epilepsy may experience changes in their seizure patterns due to hormonal fluctuations during their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. Hormonal changes can also affect the effectiveness of AEDs, and vice versa, AEDs can affect the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives.
Pregnancy: Women with epilepsy can have a normal and healthy pregnancy, but they need to plan and consult their doctors before conceiving. Pregnancy can increase the risk of seizures, complications, and birth defects, due to the effects of AEDs and epilepsy on the mother and the baby. Women with epilepsy need to take extra care and precautions during their pregnancy, such as taking folic acid supplements, monitoring their seizure frequency and AED levels, and having regular check-ups and scans.
Social stigma: Women with epilepsy often face social stigma and discrimination, due to the myths and misconceptions surrounding the disorder. Women with epilepsy may face difficulties in finding a partner, getting married, having children, and pursuing education and employment, due to the fear and ignorance of the society. Women with epilepsy may also face psychological issues, such as low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety, due to the lack of support and acceptance.

Epilepsy and India: A Huge Burden

Epilepsy and India have a huge burden, as India has one of the highest prevalence and incidence rates of epilepsy in the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India has about 10-12 million people with epilepsy, which accounts for about 20 per cent of the global epilepsy population. India also has a large treatment gap, as only about 40 per cent of the people with epilepsy receive adequate treatment, and the rest remain untreated or under-treated, due to various reasons, such as lack of awareness, access, and affordability.

Epilepsy and India also have a huge impact, as epilepsy affects the quality of life, productivity, and economy of the country. According to a study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), epilepsy causes an annual loss of about Rs 20,000 crore to the Indian economy, due to the direct and indirect costs of the disorder. Epilepsy also causes a significant burden on the health system, as it requires long-term and continuous care and follow-up.

Epilepsy and the World: A Global Challenge

Epilepsy and the world have a global challenge, as epilepsy is one of the most common and serious neurological disorders, affecting about 50 million people worldwide, according to the WHO. Epilepsy is also one of the most neglected and underfunded disorders, as it receives less attention and resources than other chronic diseases, despite its high prevalence and impact. Epilepsy also faces a lot of stigma and discrimination, as it is associated with various myths and misconceptions, such as being a curse, a sign of madness, or a contagious disease.

Epilepsy and the world also have a global response, as various initiatives and efforts are being taken to address the disorder and its challenges, at the local, national, and international levels. Some of these initiatives and efforts are:

International Epilepsy Day: International Epilepsy Day is observed every year on the second Monday of February, to raise awareness and advocacy for people with epilepsy and their families. The day is organised by the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), which are the global organisations representing the epilepsy community. The theme for this year’s International Epilepsy Day is “Epilepsy is more than seizures”.
World Health Assembly Resolution: In 2015, the World Health Assembly, the governing body of the WHO, adopted a resolution on the global burden of epilepsy and the need for coordinated action at the country level to address its challenges. The resolution called for the development and implementation of national epilepsy policies and plans, the integration of epilepsy care into primary health care, the promotion of public awareness and education, and the strengthening of research and surveillance.
Global Campaign Against Epilepsy: The Global Campaign Against Epilepsy is a joint initiative of the WHO, the IBE, and the ILAE, which was launched in 1997, to reduce the treatment gap and the stigma of epilepsy, and to improve the quality of life of people with epilepsy and their families. The campaign works through various activities, such as demonstration projects, training programmes, advocacy events, and publications.