Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Feb 9: Epilepsy, a neurological disorder marked by repeated seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain, affects more than 15 million people in India. Yet, despite its high prevalence, doctors say many patients delay or avoid medical treatment because of fear, social stigma and deep-rooted misconceptions, particularly in small towns and rural areas.
Medical experts emphasise that epilepsy should be treated like any other chronic condition such as diabetes or hypertension. With regular medication, nearly 70 per cent of patients can achieve good seizure control. For those who do not respond to drugs, advanced treatment options now available in India offer renewed hope and improved quality of life.
Explaining the condition, Dr Madhukar Bhardwaj, Director and Head of Neurology at Aakash Healthcare, said seizures occur when the brain’s electrical signals behave abnormally for a short duration. This can cause symptoms such as shaking, falling, blank staring or loss of awareness. While some seizures are mild and brief, others can be severe and disruptive.
Dr Bhardwaj pointed out that myths continue to discourage people from seeking hospital care. “Many still believe epilepsy is caused by ghosts or black magic, that it spreads through touch, or that patients cannot study, work or marry. Another harmful belief is putting objects into the mouth during a seizure. All these are false and can endanger the patient,” he said.
Dr Neha Kapoor, Associate Director and Head of Neurology at Asian Hospital, said epilepsy has multiple causes and, in many cases, no clear cause is identified. Genetic factors, head injuries, brain infections like meningitis, stroke, lack of oxygen at birth and abnormal brain development are some known reasons. She clarified that while stress, sleep deprivation and alcohol can trigger seizures, they do not directly cause epilepsy.
Highlighting diagnostic challenges, Dr Praveen Gupta, Chairman of Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro and Spine, said epilepsy is often missed because not all seizures involve convulsions. “Some seizures appear as brief confusion or staring spells, which leads to delayed diagnosis. Early detection is critical for effective treatment,” he said.
Dr Gupta added that epilepsy affects people across all age groups, but fear and misinformation result in late referrals to specialists. With timely diagnosis and proper treatment, most patients can lead completely normal lives.
He also noted that epilepsy surgery is being successfully performed in India for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Surgeons identify and treat the specific brain area responsible for seizures, and advanced techniques, including neuro-robotic procedures, are improving outcomes.
Addressing another lesser-known aspect, Dr Vineet Malhotra, Principal Consultant in Urology and Andrology at SCM Healthcare, said epilepsy can also affect men’s sexual health. Seizures, stress and some anti-seizure medications may impact hormones, energy levels and libido. However, he reassured that with counselling, lifestyle changes and medication adjustments, these issues can be effectively managed.
Doctors collectively stressed that epilepsy is a medical condition, not a social stigma, and urged people to seek timely treatment without fear or hesitation.