About Epilepsy
Neurologcal disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness, or convulsions, associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Present situation
A study in India conducted in 1998 calculated that the cost per patient of epilepsy treatment was as high as 88.2% of the county's per capita gross national product (GNP), and epilepsy-related costs, which included medical costs, travel, and lost work time, exceeded US$ 1.7 billion per year.
Key facts
- Approx. 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological deseases globally.
- Nearly 80% of the people with epilepsy live in low- and middle-income countries.
- People with epilepsy respond to treatment approx. 70% of the time.
- About 3/4 of people with epilepsy living in low- and middle-income countries do not get treatment they need.
- In many parts of the world, people with epilepsy and their families suffer from stigma and discrimination
Solution
The most important solution for EPI-kids is, to get diagnosed, tested and put on medication, and/or , get operation, and/ or VNS (vagus nerve stimulation), to live normal life. In almost all underdeveloped countries EPI-kids don't get
- any medications,
- are kept hidden as they are considerd to be bedeviled,
- don't have acdess to education or are allowed to attend 'normal' schools
- are deemed to be untreatable.
