International Epilepsy Day 2024: 1.5 million women of reproductive age in India affected by epilepsy, say experts

The staggering number of nearly 15 million women of reproductive age in India grappling with epilepsy highlights a critical need for tailored care and support said experts on International Epilepsy Day on MondayWorld Epilepsy Day is observed every year on February 12 to raise awareness and timely intervention for people suffering from the neurological disorder characterised by recurrent seizuresThe disease affects approximately 50 million individuals worldwide with a significant portion residing in India where 1012 million people are affectedSocial stigma and reluctance to seek medical intervention often hinder women from receiving the care they need Concerns related to reproductive health are a significant issue within the community of women with epilepsy But experts stated that proper treatment can help women lead a normal and healthy lifeldquoDespite the disease prevalence there exists a considerable treatment gap in the management of epilepsy particularly in lowresource settings like rural areas of India With nearly 15 million affected women in India special attention must be given to women of reproductive age with epilepsy as pregnancy poses unique challenges Issues such as teratogenic effects from antiepileptic drugs AEDs and increased infertility rates are significant concernsrsquorsquo said Dr Siby Gopinath epileptologist and Professor of Neurology at Amrita Hospital KochiNeuroinfections head trauma and metabolic abnormalities significantly contribute to the burden of epilepsy in India especially among women of reproductive ageChildren also bear a substantial impact with the highest incidence occurring in the first year of life and peaking between ages 1 to 12 Diagnosis in children poses challenges due to various seizure imitators necessitating evaluation by trained paediatric neurologistsThe experts said that women with epilepsy can plan pregnancies if they have been seizurefree for two years or more Collaboration between neurologists gynaecologists and paediatricians is essential to manage medications during pregnancy and address any seizures promptlyWomen with epilepsy can lead a normal life with timely and proper treatment It is crucial to address the unique challenges faced by women including social stigma to ensure they receive the necessary medical attention Women with epilepsy should plan pregnancy so that antiepileptic medications do not harm the baby as well as the mother Dr AK Sahani Director and Chief of Neurology Indian Spinal Injuries Centre ISIC New Delhi told IANSHowever the doctor said that the ongoing medication dose can be optimally minimised to reduce the risk to the baby and prevent epilepsy in the motherldquoOtherwise drugs can be switched over to other safer drugs for pregnancy Women with epilepsy can go safely for pregnancy under the supervision of a neurologist and they can have normal deliveryrdquo Dr Sahani saidThe causes of epilepsy vary including birth defects oxygen deprivation or hypoxic sequelae genetics brain infections head injury stroke and brain tumoursldquoDiagnosis involves a comprehensive approach including medical history physical examination and various investigations like blood investigations bedsides EEG video EEG CT MRI of the brain These tests and investigations help in identifying potential causes and plan appropriate treatments Treatment options include antiseizure medications with the caveat that finding the right medicine and dosage may take timerdquo said Dr Amlan Mandal Senior Consultant Neurology Narayana Hospital RN Tagore HospitalSurgery is also considered to address underlying causes more so in drug resistant epilepsy such as removing brain tumours Deep Brain Stimulation DBS may be required in cases where the origin of seizures is unclear the doctor saidThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever