Context:
National Epilepsy Day is marked every year in India on November 17 to raise awareness about the disease, the struggles associated with it, and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
Relevance:
GS II: Health
Overview of Epilepsy
Epilepsy, commonly referred to as a seizure disorder, is a chronic neurological condition characterized by recurrent seizures. These seizures are the result of excessive electrical discharges in a group of brain cells. Different parts of the brain can be the site of such discharges, leading to varied types of seizures.
Characteristics of Seizures
- During a seizure, numerous neurons may fire at the same time, significantly faster than normal, leading to various symptoms.
- These can include involuntary movements, altered sensations, unusual emotions, and behaviors, or an altered level of consciousness.
- Post-seizure recovery can vary; some individuals may recover immediately, while others might take hours to feel normal again.
Causes of Epilepsy
- In about 50% of cases, the exact cause of epilepsy remains unknown.
- For other individuals, epilepsy can be traced to genetic factors, brain developmental anomalies, infections, traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, brain tumors, and other conditions.
Symptoms Variation
- Seizure manifestations can differ greatly; some individuals lose awareness during a seizure, while others may not.
- Common physical manifestations include blank staring, convulsions, or other involuntary movements.
Diagnosis
- Epilepsy is typically diagnosed after an individual has experienced at least two unprovoked seizures, spaced more than 24 hours apart.
- Experiencing one seizure does not necessarily mean an individual has epilepsy.
Demographics
- Epilepsy affects approximately 50 million people globally, making it one of the most common neurological diseases.
- It can develop in any person, regardless of gender, ethnic background, or age.
Treatment Options
- Medication and Surgery: While many individuals manage their condition with medication, some may require surgery to control seizures.
- Long-Term Management: Treatment needs can vary; some people may need lifelong treatment, whereas others might see an improvement or resolution of symptoms over time.
- Pediatric Considerations: Certain forms of epilepsy in children may improve or resolve with age.
-Source: The Hindu
