An estimated 5 million people are diagnosed with epilepsy each year worldwide, and the incidence in the Sultanate of Oman is no different.
At a recent international conference on 'Surgery for Epilepsy' organised by the Muscat Family Physicians' Group in association with Global Treatment Services, and Lama Polyclinic, the experts cited a WHO report on epilepsy.
"The estimated proportion of the general population with active epilepsy (i.e. continuing seizures or with the need for treatment) at a given time is between 4 and 10 per 1,000 people," the report said.
Epilepsy (Fits as it is called generally) not only makes the patient's life difficult but also makes them prone to injuries and accidents.
Speaking to the Observer, Dr Jayesh Sardhara, Senior Consultant, epilepsy surgery and minimally Invasive surgery at the Department of Neurosurgery at Fortis Hospital, Mumbai, said that though a few can carry on with everyday life, most are handicapped, and the whole family gets disturbed.
"Till now, very limited medical treatments with drugs were available for epilepsy, and many suffered in silence. However, now advanced treatment with surgery is available for such patients. Though there is no total solution, it gives great relief," he said.
"Epilepsy has many possible causes, but about half of the people living with epilepsy do not know the cause," said Dr Viresh Chopra, adding, "In some cases, epilepsy is clearly linked to genetic factors, developmental brain abnormalities, infection, and other identifiable problems."
Epilepsy may develop because of many conditions that disrupt normal brain activity, known as "co-occurring conditions". Once these conditions are treated, individuals may no longer have seizures. However, whether the seizures stop varies based on the type of disorder, the affected brain region, and how much brain damage occurred before treatment.
Commenting on surgery for epilepsy, he said, " Epilepsy surgery is a very complex and crippling disorder in pediatric and adult patients. 30 per cent of such cases are drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE)."
"Preoperative epilepsy evaluation is a vital tool to decide the possibility of surgery and complete cure. Evaluation includes 24 hr. video EEG (electroencephalogram) monitoring to decide where the epilepsy generator or focus is situated in the whole brain map. It also requires a SPECT or PET scan to confirm it. Early epilepsy surgery in the disease sequence yields better seizure and cognitive outcomes. It can be possible now by minimally invasive brain surgery in the current advanced era. It is a great help to people with epilepsy," said Dr Sardhara.
Dr Sanjay Dalal, Founder of Muscat Family Physicians and the main organiser, thanked the visiting team of Fortis Hospital, Mumbai, India, especially the speaker, Dr Jayesh, for sharing his experience and expertise.
Quick remedial measures for epilepsy include taking medication as prescribed by the healthcare provider; avoiding alcohol consumption, as it can potentially interact with medication and trigger seizures; refraining from misusing substances, as certain drugs can increase the risk of seizures.
Other precautions include practising effective stress management techniques to minimise the chances of triggering seizures and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule to support overall brain health and reduce seizure risk.
Keeping a regular meal schedule is advisable, as irregular eating patterns can sometimes affect seizure control.
Such patients should avoid flashing lights, as they can trigger seizures in some individuals, and there should be measures to protect yourself from head injuries, as these can potentially provoke seizures.
Fevers need to be taken care of as they can sometimes lower the seizure threshold.
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