Daily Times

KARACHI: At least two million Pakistanis are suffer from epilepsy that is a preventable diseases, said Dr Fowzia Siddiqui, noted neurologist, epilepsy specialist and president of Epilepsy Foundation Pakistan, on Monday

Addressing a seminar titled ‘Epilepsy: beyond seizures’ on International Epilepsy Day, Dr Fowzia Siddiqui said that epilepsy was one of the most common chronic neurological disorders, requiring prolonged treatments and drugs.

It is a disorder that is widely misunderstood and carries a vicious stigma. Epilepsy comprises a vast group of disorders and syndromes with one common symptom: seizure, she said, adding that it was a clinical manifestation of abnormal electrical discharges within the brain. The seizure may be simple partial or complex partial (collectively called focal) or generalised. It can present from simple staring spells to full blown convulsions that can occur at any time, resulting in embarrassing situations and traumatizing experiences.

Dr Fowzia said an estimated 2 million people in Pakistan were suffering from epilepsy. Sadly, a majority of these cases are preventable. “Though the seizure is what manifests itself as the disease, the impact of epilepsy is way beyond that of the seizure.”

She said that the impact of epilepsy upon those who suffer from this disorder extends far beyond the injury that seizures themselves can cause. The unpredictability of seizures imposes severe restrictions on lifestyle and can inhibit patients’ social interactions, said the expert.

She said given the high direct and indirect costs of epilepsy, treatment is delayed and if attempted causes a significant financial burden on the caretaker. Furthermore the ignorance about the disease that is prevalent in the society has probably more impact on persons with epilepsy than the seizure. “The concept of being demonically possessed remains prevalent as does the disorder being a mental illness, or some contagious plague is more than we would like to believe. These issues drive patients into social isolation, resulting in severe psycho- social implications.”

Giving an example, she said the confused behaviour typical of temporal lobe complex partial seizures could be disturbing and appeared as if in a trance. “This can seem weird and scary to someone who is unaware. Having a convulsion in the work place can be frightening to coworkers and likewise can lead to job dismissals.”

“Over 70% of epilepsy is treatable and patients can lead a normal life. Some are even of super normal intelligence.”

While an epileptic may never be allowed to fly an airplane, or be a commercial driver there are a lot of things that they can do, and should be allowed to do, she said, for example completing school, following their dreams, from physicians to musicians, explorers to inventors all are possible.

She said for older patients the need to encourage art, handicraft, technical support should be emphasised. They should be encouraged to participate in all activities and pursue whatever reasonable career they wish.

“To achieve this, we need to provide proper education and support groups; ensure tolerable workplaces and jobs without discrimination, reinforce public awareness and abolish the stigma.”

She asked for a subsidised medication plans for epileptics to ensure compliance.

Noted neurologist and professor at Baqai University Prof Dr Arif Heerikar said epilepsy was a curable disease. He said it was necessary to raise awareness among the Pakistani society, so that the people could know about the fits and seizures.

Dr Muhammed Hassan said that costly drugs and lab tests were main hindrance in proper treatment of the disease. He said that misconception and stigma related to this disease should be removed. He appealed for subsidy in medicines for treatment of the disease. He requested the print and electronic media to raise the issue.

Published in Daily Times, February  13^th 2018.