Don’t let Epilepsy rule your LIFE
Understanding epilepsy is key to control seizures
As a woman, you have many dynamic roles to play in the society. Nothing should hinder with your capabilities to lead a healthy and successful family and professional life — not even epilepsy, which is a neurological disorder. No matter what stage of life you are at, the foremost thing you should do to improve your seizure control and overall health is to educate yourself about epilepsy. Also, maintain an open line of communication with your doctor and take an active role in your treatment.
Women with epilepsy, however continue to face misunderstanding about their conditions. As a result they face discrimination in the society. The impact of the neurological disorder, epilepsy is on the minds of thousands of women and girls who are living with it. Those who want to get pregnant worry about a number of things related to pregnancy and motherhood. However, it’s time that fear of seizures and drug side effects do not hold you back from embracing the bliss of motherhood
Dr. Anil Kumar, HOD, Département Of Neurologie from Rajendra Institute of Médical Science states “Many women with epilepsy have children and a normal family life. Having epilepsy doesn’t usually make it hard for woman to get pregnant. Though some women with epilepsy may have a condition called polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which is associated with irregular periods and weight gain that can also affect reproductive health. However,epileptic women can successfully become pregnant with appropriate measures. So, one should consult her doctor for all the queries she has in her mind.”
Of the 70 million persons with epilepsy (PWE) worldwide, nearly 12 million PWE are expected to reside in India; which contributes to nearly one-sixth of the global burden. The overall prevalence (3.0-11.9 per 1,000 population) and incidence (0.2-0.6 per 1,000 population per year) data from recent studies in India on general population are comparable to the rates of high-income countries (HICs) despite marked variations in population characteristics and study methodologies. There is a differential distribution of epilepsy among various socio-demographic and economic groups with higher rates reported for the male gender, rural population, and low socioeconomic status.
Many people with active epilepsy donot receive appropriate treatment for their condition, leading to large treatment gap. The lack of knowledgeof antiepileptic drugs, poverty, cultural beliefs, stigma, poor health infrastructure, and shortage of trainedprofessionals contribute for the treatment gap. Infectious diseases play an important role in seizures andlong-term burden causing both new-onset of epilepsy and status epilepticus. Proper education and appropriatehealth care services can make tremendous change in a country like India.
Epilepsy is not a curse or any mental illness or a sign of low intelligence. It’s not contagious either. But misconceptions rule strongly….condemning patients to miserable lives.
Dr. Anil Kumar, HOD, Département Of Neurologie from Rajendra Institute of Médical Science states assuredly remarks “Epilepsy can be controlled in 75-80% of the cases with right medication. Early diagnosis and right treatment help in further damage to the person’s mental and physical state.However, deeply entrenched cultural beliefs combined with stigma and lack of awareness are pushing people to quacks, traditional healers and other methods, often with detrimental consequences. Only a miniscule number of patients approach a proper medical professional for help”.