With number of cases of neurological disorders on the rise, doctors said over 20 per cent of adult epilepsy cases occur due to head injuries. Epilepsy is the second most common neurological problem.
Experts are of the view that in India and developing countries, of the 3.5 million people who develop epilepsy annually, 40 per cent are younger than 15 years. And more than 80 per cent patients of epilepsy live in developing countries.
Speaking to The Pioneer, Dr Ish Anand, Neurologist and Epilepsy Specialist at Sir Gangaram Hospital said, “Cases of epilepsy have been emerging more often these days. There can be several factors for the same such as brain tuberculosis, Neurocysticercosis (NCC) which occurs due to unhygienic food intake in the body. When the worm in green leafy veggies enters the body and attack brain, then patient suffers from NCC brain disorder.”
Informing about the prevalence of epilepsy in children Dr Atma Ram Bansal, Consultant neurologist, Medanta-The Medicity said, “Having epilepsy can affect a child in different ways, depending on his or her age and type of seizures the child has. Children with epilepsy can live a happy and successful life. Diagnosis will not affect the day-to-day lives of children, but, in some it may be a frightening or difficult experience.”
As there are misconceptions related to the disease, Dr Dr Anshu Rohtagi, at Gangaram Hospital, said that with the advent of newer medicines, availability of advanced medical care and increased awareness of the condition, it has become possible for a person with epilepsy to lead a good life.