Epilepsy is the most common chronic brain illness and affects people of all ages.
Over 50 million individuals worldwide have epilepsy, with almost 80% living in low- and middle-income nations.
It is anticipated that with correct diagnosis and treatment, 70% of persons with epilepsy will be able to control their seizures.
However, around three-quarters of people in low-income nations do not have access to the necessary care, with some areas seeing a rate of 90%.
In many such areas, healthcare workers lack the necessary skills to recognise, diagnose, and treat epilepsy, and antiseizure drugs are usually unavailable.
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People with epilepsy and their families frequently face stigma and discrimination.
Misconceptions, fear, and myths about epilepsy continue to shape public attitudes of the illness in many parts of the world.
Epilepsy is not communicable and is characterised by seizures caused by excessive electrical activity in the brain.
During a seizure, a person may lose consciousness or awareness, struggle to control their bladder or bowel, have impaired hearing or vision, and exhibit disordered movement. Sudden loss of control can cause injuries, such as falls.
A healthcare professional diagnoses epilepsy based on at least two spontaneous seizures.
It is frequently confirmed by electroencephalography (EEG), a painless test that records and analyses electrical activity in the brain.
Epilepsy treatment is really effective in many circumstances. Antiseizure drugs can help up to 70% of people with epilepsy become seizure-free.
After two years of seizure-free treatment, a doctor may consider stopping the drug.
If drugs are ineffective, various types of surgery may be considered.
People with epilepsy are more likely to experience mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression, thus psychological support is also beneficial to general well-being.
