National Epilepsy Day

Jaipur, 17 November 2022: India is home to an estimated population of 10 million epileptic patients. While 50 million people worldwide are affected by epilepsy, India accounts for nearly 10-20 percent (5-10 million) of the global burden of epilepsy. It is a neurological abnormality in which people have repeated seizures because of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Seizures can start at any age and can make you have convulsions, move or behave strangely, and pass out. On the occasion of National Epilepsy Day, Dr. Vikas Gupta, Additional Director, Neurology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Jaipur shares facts about this noncommunicable disease of the brain and ways to manage it.

Dr. Vikas Gupta, Additional Director, Neurology, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Jaipur said, “There are various types of seizures and each type has a different set of symptoms. Most seizures last only a few seconds or minutes. In ‘tonic-clonic’ or ‘grand mal’ seizures,  people suddenly pass out, have jerking movements, or get stiff. In other types of seizures people suddenly stop responding and stare for a few seconds or they have shaking movements in one arm or part of their face. In some cases, people have a certain feeling or smell called an ‘aura’ before having an episode of seizure. There can be several risk factors that can cause epilepsy such as age, family history, head injuries, brain infection, developmental disorders, etc. In order to diagnose it properly, some tests may be required. Either an EEG or a CT/MRI or both may be required for a better understanding of the cause of seizures. Though epilepsy can’t be cured, it can be treated with medicines known as ‘anti-epileptic drugs’ or AED. These medicines are also called anti-seizure or anti-convulsant medicines. In case these medicines don’t work, the patient may be recommended an epileptic surgery.”

“An epileptic patient should make sure of keeping a few things in mind about anti-epileptic medicines. One must never stop their anti-epileptic medicine on their own. If a person hasn’t had any seizures for several years, then the doctor might alter the dose and medicine based on their medical condition. These medicines can make the patient feel dizzy and tired. The patient must discuss the side effects with their

physician so that his/her dosage can be changed accordingly. Usually, anti-seizure medicines may affect the effectiveness of other medicines, so if you a person has any other health issues, they must discuss it with their doctor. If an epileptic woman is planning pregnancy, she must discuss it with her doctor to get the required changes done in her medication, since anti-seizure medicines may increase the risk of birth defects,” Dr Gupta added.

Dr. Gupta further shares a few tips that should be observed by epileptic patients while at home:

• During an episode of seizure nothing should be put in the mouth and the person who is around the patient must immediately call the ambulance if it lasts longer than 5 minutes
• Use a shower chair while bathing. It will reduce the risk of falling and getting injured
• Have a person near you if you are doing activities that can be dangerous such as using power tools
• Have soft flooring in your home. This will reduce the damage if you ever fall
• Consult your doctor if you have new or worsening weakness or trouble with balance

About Fortis Healthcare Limited  

“Fortis Healthcare Limited – an IHH Healthcare Berhad Company – is a leading integrated healthcare services provider in India. It is one of the largest healthcare organizations in the country with 27 healthcare facilities (including projects under development), 4100 operational beds and over 419 diagnostics centres (including JVs). Fortis is present in India, United Arab Emirates (UAE) & Sri Lanka. The Company is listed on the BSE Ltd and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India. It draws strength from its partnership with global major and parent company, IHH, to build upon its culture of world-class patient care and superlative clinical excellence. Fortis employs 23,000 people (including SRL) who share its vision of becoming the world’s most trusted healthcare network. Fortis offers a full spectrum of integrated healthcare services ranging from clinics to quaternary care facilities and a wide range of ancillary services.”