More than 50 Million People in the World Suffer from Epilepsy

 United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi - 24 May 2015: According to the UK-based Epilepsy Society, around 87 people are diagnosed with epilepsy every day, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating thatmore than 50 million people suffer from this neurological condition.

“A neurological disorder, epilepsy is characterized by recurrent seizures, which are short episodes of involuntary shaking that involve part of the body or the entire body. When a person suffers from two or more such seizures that are not linked to trauma, infection, fever, or a chemical change in the body, they are considered to suffer from epilepsy,” says Dr.Atta Ghassan Al Khaznaji, specialist neurologist at Burjeel Hospital Abu Dhabi.

Dr. Al Khaznaji, who has more than 20 years of experience in Neurology & Neurosurgery, sheds light on what triggers a seizure.  “Millions of tiny electrical charges pass from nerve cells in the brain to the rest of the body as part of normal brain function. However, a seizure takes place when the normal pattern is disturbed by unexpected and intense bursts of electrical energy, which can cause abnormal sensations, emotions, convulsions, muscle spasms, and loss of consciousness.” 

Causes of epilepsy may includeidiopathic head injuries, brain tumors, lead poisoning, certain genetic diseases, and some infectious diseases. According to research, children form a large number of epilepsy patients. The impact on the developing brain ranges from learning disabilities to retardation, and sometimes, even death.

“The treatment recommended for epileptic patients depends on factors such as the incidence and severity of the seizures and the person's age, health, and medical history. It could include a change in diet, anti-epileptic medication, and surgery in some cases,” says Dr. Al Khaznaji.

According to WHO, recent studies in both developed and developing countries have shown that up to 70 per cent of newly diagnosed children and adults with epilepsy can be successfully treated with anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). After two to five years of successful treatment, drugs can be withdrawn in about 70 per cent of children and 60 per cent of adults without relapses. 

“Epileptic seizures can affect people, anywhere and anytime. Hence it’s imperative that an epileptic patient’s caregivers, teachers and friends are made aware of what to do in case the person suffers from a seizure in their presence, at home or outdoors.  Seizures are unpredictable and even a small seizure at the wrong time can lead to injury or death.So remember to speak to a doctor and be armed with the right information to avoid such situations,” says Dr.  Al Khaznaji.