Epilepsy is like any other disease, stresses doctor
View(s):Epilepsy is a disorder that arises when the brain cells repeatedly release abnormal electrical discharges. This results in a myriad of clinical presentations varying from unusual body movement or abnormal sensations like pain, funny taste, hallucinations or hearing unusual sounds or ringing tones. However, the classical picture that comes to our minds is that of a patient fallen on the ground, having violent tonic clonic movements with eyes rolled up and frothing at the mouth. It is important to know that only a fraction of epilepsies would present in this manner.
Dr. Jithangi Wanigasinghe
This is how Consultant Paediatric Neurologist Dr. Jithangi Wanigasinghe who is also the President of the Epilepsy Association of Sri Lanka describes epilepsy, stressing that it is like any other illness. Epilepsy affects about one in every 100, MediScene learns, while it is mostly in children and the elderly.
Dr. Wanigasinghe says that although a majority of patients do well on treatment and live very successful lives, society’s outlook towards this disease is different and demeaning. There are many famous personalities who have had this condition but conquered the world. Some of them are rulers like Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Napoleon Bonaparte and American President Theodore Roosevelt. There have been many famous writers such as Charles Dickens and Agatha Christie and in the recent past well known celebrities like Prince, Elton John and athletes like Florence Griffith Joyner who have epilepsy.
”Unfortunately, unlike some other diseases, epilepsy is considered to be an ‘evil disease’ or a ’devil’s curse’ in our culture. Contrary to this, it is a condition that can be well treated in the majority of about 75% and many lead a good life if treated appropriately. In a smaller percentage, however, it may be difficult to control medically. In such patients, different treatment modalities like epilepsy surgery, a specialized diet such as a ketogenic diet and other surgical procedures can be done to reduce the seizure load,” she says.
What is important for an optimal outcome for these patients is to ensure proper evaluation by an appropriate doctor and commencement of treatment early. Continuation of anti-seizure medications long-term is needed until the doctors assure you that treatment can be taken off. It is important to ensure good compliance in the use of medication, being knowledgeable about this condition and becoming empowered to manage other challenges that may arise due to this condition. There are many anti-epileptic medications available in the market and they can be tried on the patient from one to the other or to different combinations in order to achieve seizure control, she adds.
| Be a part of the association The Epilepsy Association of Sri Lanka is a non-governmental organization committed to providing support and care for epileptic patients and their families.The association concentrates on providing educational material, advocacy and campaigning for their social welfare and also attempts to ensure quality care through the national health care system through a dialogue with government organizations.Comprising a group of volunteers which include doctors, well-wishers, parents and even patients with epilepsy, the association invites everyone to be a part of it and join hands in its activities. For more information, please contact – mobile: 0777590990 and check www.easrilanka.org | |