City hospital sets up Epilepsy Clinic centre

Bengaluru: On the occasion of National Epilepsy Day on Tuesday, Aster RV Hospital, a multi-specialty quaternary care hospital, has launched an Epilepsy Clinic. The clinic will have certified epileptologists trained in adult and paediatric epilepsy, supported by a multi-disciplinary team to address the complex needs of both adults and children suffering from the disease. Patients can access specialized treatment for new onset seizure, complex epilepsy, epilepsy surgery, PNES treatment and ketogenic diet plan.

Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disease in India with an estimated incidence of about 12 million patients. This amounts to a whopping 1/5th of the global burden. Social discrimination, stigma and lack of awareness about the treatment options available or manage epilepsy patients remain some of the major issues in reducing the burden of epilepsy in India.

Dr. Keni Ravish Rajiv, Consultant – Neurologist and Epileptologist, Aster RV Hospital said, "With medical advancements, it is entirely possible to manage epilepsy and even completely cure it. However there are still some myths and superstitions around seizures or fits, with some people still believing that it is caused by a ghost or mental illness. With the launch of this clinic, we aim to create more awareness about epilepsy, acceptance and relief from this condition, and reduce some of the social discrimination faced by epileptic patients in schools, workplaces, marital life etc."

It is estimated that about 7-14 out of 1000 people in developing countries are suffering from active epilepsy at any given moment throughout the world.

"Despite the high numbers, the number of people who are able to access proper treatment for epilepsy is less. In India, the treatment gap is estimated to range from 22% in urban areas to as high as 90% in rural areas. It is important that these people gain access to trained epileptologists backed by a multidisciplinary team where mental health and the co-morbidities associated with epilepsy will be addressed as well," said Dr. Sreekanta Swamy, Head of Neurology, Aster RV Hospital.