Epilepsy in this part of the world is one of the neglected disorders and
the misconception about the disorder has not helped sufferers. Even
when the attack occurs only a few people know what to do and how the
disease can be managed and treated.
Expert says proper diagnosis and right drugs as well as treatment
will improve quality of life of patients. Epilepsy, also known as
seizure disorder, is a general term that refers to a tendency to have
recurrent seizures. A seizure is a temporary disturbance in brain
function in which groups of nerve cells in the brain signal abnormally
and excessively.
According to a Senior Consultant Neurologist, Institute of
Neurosciences, Apollo Hospital, Delhi, India, Prof. Pushpendra Renjen,
cases of epilepsy is growing in Nigeria due to absence of a proper
diagnosis and the belief that the disorder is more of a spiritual attack
than a medical disorder. “If you pick up the right treatment epilepsy
is controlled in 70 to 75 percent of uncontrolled epileptic patients.”
Many epileptic patients in Nigeria today do not get treatment due to the
myths and misconception surrounding the disorder.
Renjen said although there is no permanent cure for epilepsy, but
with the right diagnosis and right drugs patients symptoms will improve
their quality of life. Unfortunately, these drugs are not available in
Nigeria and many people do not know where to get help for epilepsy.
Epilepsy affects the brain and causes problems with the wiring. It is
not contagious; the saliva and the foaming from the mouth cannot
transmit epilepsy.
He said people with uncontrolled epilepsy can be treated with
surgery. “For instance, a Deep Brain Stimulation, DBS, can be used to
treat patient. DBS is a surgery technique which involve implanting
electrodes inside the deep nuclei of brain called subthalamus under
local anesthesia. With the progress of disease the parameters of
stimulation are changed over a period of time so that patients can
remain symptom free for a long period.
Renjen who said Apollo hospital has carried out 100 DBS said 20 out
of the patients were from Nigeria. “Rechargeable Pacemakers are now
available that can be recharged at home. The life of these pace makers
are 15-20 years. It cannot be cured but controlled in 75 percent of
patients. If your diagnosis is right and drug is right, 75 percent will
go into long time rendition and they will not have attack for the rest
of their lives.”
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