Ludhiana, November 18 One sixth of the total number of epilepsy cases are from India. Despite this huge number, most of these patients don’t receive any treatment as it is often associated with social stigma. According to Dr Leenu Gupta, Neurologist, Dr Leenu’s Brain and Spine Centre, Ludhiana, “While head injury is a common cause of epilepsy worldwide, one of the prominent causes of epilepsy in India is Neurocysticercosis (parasitic disease of the nervous system). It is responsible for about 30 per cent of seizure disorders in the Indian subcontinent.” “Often a controllable disease, epilepsy faces serious social stigma because of which a majority of people don’’t reach out for treatment. It is it one of the most common neurological diseases after migraine, stroke and Alzheimer,” added Dr Gupta. “Despite the diagnostic and treatment options available, many cases are either undetected, misdiagnosed, or end up with unqualified doctors or those who practice alternative medicine. Prevailing myths, cultural beliefs, and low awareness are the main reasons for this situation,” she said. Experts say that with increased awareness, the number of people seeking treatment in an urban set up is around 60 per cent, but the scenario in a rural setting is quite alarming with only 10 per cent of the patients seek medical help after suffering a seizure. In rural area, the typical symptoms of seizure such as rhythmic movement of arms and legs are often construed as possession of the patient’’s body by an evil spirit or ghost. Neurocysticercosis is the most common cause of epilepsy in the age group of 15-50. This is often caused by infected pork or underground vegetables that are not washed properly. There are two types of epilepsy. The most common type is seen at a young age, which is due to genetic reasons. The other type of epilepsy occurs suddenly. Though it is not completely curable, but can be managed like diabetes and hypertension. Epilepsy patients should take medicines as recommended, get enough exercise, maintain a healthy diet and get enough sleep. Factfile You cannot swallow your tongue during a seizure. Never force something into the mouth of the person during seizure. Epilepsy is not contagious. People with epilepsy can handle jobs.

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