After being diagnosed with epilepsy, she was no longer allowed to have the freedom a 21-year-old is accustomed of having. She could no longer go to college and places without a constant support. She had started to feel distant and isolated from her friends dealing with her illness. As a parent, I was also emotionally shattered as we did not have monetary support to give her a quality treatment that she deserved. Today, my daughter is leading a normal life she deserves” says patient’s mother expressing her gratitude and happiness.

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder. In India, there are about 12 million people who are suffering from this condition. But sadly, many cases remain undiagnosed due to lack of awareness and monetary support. People with epilepsy who do not receive treatment suffer from recurrent episodes of seizures. This can affect their studies, their work, and quality of life for them and their families. Also, people with epilepsy and their families suffer from social stigma and discrimination.

Improving public education is very important to fight against epilepsy. International Epilepsy Day is celebrated on 11 February 2019 as an opportunity to raise awareness on epilepsy. Most of the cases of epilepsy are treatable with medicine after proper diagnosis. In some selective cases surgery is needed and has a gratifying result in reduction of seizure frequency and medications.

Dr. Komal Prasad,
Sr. Consultant Neurosurgeon,
Mazumdar Shaw Medical Center,
Narayana Health City
Bengaluru

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