KARACHI, March 26: Epilepsy is observed to be more common among rural people due to bad obstetric care and more infections.

This was stated by Prof Hasan Aziz of the JPMC’s neurology department while speaking at a seminar, organized by the PMA (Karachi branch) on Wednesday.

Stressing that epilepsy may not be termed an illness but a disorder, the neurologist mentioned that 75 per cent of epileptic instances are idiopathic in nature and no concrete cause could be identified for a person suffering from the same.

Of the remaining 25 per cent instances, he said the condition may be consequential to difficult child birth, increased possibility of infant exposed to the condition, besides head injury, scar in brain and post-meningitis status.

Underscoring public awareness about the disorder, Prof Hasan said 80 per cent of all related seizures could be effectively controlled through efficient administration of drugs.

“These individuals seeking proper medical support can lead absolutely safe, normal and active life, without any unnecessary inhibition,” the speaker said.

Every newborn was said to have at least one per cent tendency to develop epilepsy, under any condition, compared to a possibly two to three per cent chances among those born to an epileptic parent.

Quoting international figures, he said 75 per cent people do not know of being epileptic and hence fail to acquire proper intervention to control any aggravation in the condition.

Prof. Aziz suggested that epilepsy be managed by family physicians and regular refresher courses be made an integral part to keep them updated.

He strongly recommended adequate observation of the reported patient and once he or she is adequately assessed, found to be suffering from disorder, only then the latter could be put on drug therapy.

He reminded that most of the drugs are toxic to liver and hence extreme caution is required. However, once actual nature of the problem is determined, proper therapy could be initiated.

According to him, mono-therapy could be generally preferable but gravity of the condition may also require combination of drugs.

The neurologist said new drugs are being introduced which have proven to have much better efficacy and also with little side-effects though high in cost.

According to him, there are also non-pharmacological and non-validated treatment options, namely vagal stimulation, ketogenic diet, herbal claims, homeopathy, yoga and music. Scientific studies mention some of the options to have helped controlling the condition, yet not completely.

Dr Amin Gadet, coordinator of the seminar in his opening remarks, referred to the stigma attached to the disorder compelling many of the epileptics and their family members reluctant to disclose the fact.

The clinical picture, he said, is varied and there is need to address the prediagnostic dilemmas.

Dr. Haseeb Alam, President, PMA-Karachi offered vote of thanks.—APP