According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are around 50 million people across the world who have epilepsy. Of this, 80% with the disorder live in low- and middle-income countries.
Significance
The day is observed to educate people about the challenges faced by individuals with epilepsy and also emphasise early diagnosis and treatment. It raises awareness of the disorder, what it is, how it can be treated, and what is needed to bring treatment to all people who need it. The day aims to strengthen efforts to improve care and reduce the impact of this disorder.
Theme
Every year, the Epilepsy Foundation of India dedicates a theme for the day. However, the theme for this year to mark National Epilepsy Day is yet to be announced.
Symptoms
The temporary symptoms of epilepsy include loss of awareness or consciousness, disturbances of movement, sensation (including vision, hearing and taste), mood, or other cognitive functions. People with the disorder tend to have more physical problems, like fractures and bruising from injuries related to seizures, as well as higher rates of psychological conditions, including anxiety and depression.
Causes
It is not a contagious disorder, even though many underlying disease mechanisms can lead to epilepsy. According to WHO, the cause of the disease is still unknown in about 50% of the cases globally. The causes of epilepsy are divided into categories such as structural, genetic, infectious, metabolic, immune and unknown. These include:
Brain damage from prenatal or perinatal causes.
Congenital abnormalities or genetic conditions with associated brain malformations.
A severe head injury.
A stroke that restricts the amount of oxygen to the brain.
An infection of the brain such as meningitis, encephalitis, or neurocysticercosis.
Certain genetic syndromes.
A brain tumour.
Treatment
With proper antiseizure medication, up to 70% of persons with epilepsy could become seizure-free. After two years without seizures, discontinuing antiseizure medication should be considered.
Prevention
As per the WHO report, around 25% of epilepsy cases are potentially preventable. This includes preventing head injury, which is the most effective way to prevent post-traumatic epilepsy.
Adequate perinatal care can reduce new cases of epilepsy caused by birth injury. Drugs and other measures for lowering a sick child’s body temperature can reduce the risk of febrile seizures.
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