Epilepsy is treatable; end the stigma
Epilepsy remains one of the most misunderstood medical conditions in our communities, and that misunderstanding is costing lives and dignity.
As a prominent epileptologist and neurologist, Professor Patrick Adjei, recently revealed to the Daily Graphic in an interview, more than 80 per cent of people living with epilepsy in Ghana are not seeking treatment largely because of stigma (See back page).
This is troubling, especially when effective treatment is available under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Epilepsy is not a spiritual curse, a sign of madness, or a contagious disease.
It is a disorder of the brain. In simple terms, it happens when there is a sudden surge of abnormal electrical activity in the brain, leading to seizures.
A seizure may cause a person to fall, shake uncontrollably, lose awareness, stare blankly, or behave in unusual ways for a short time. Some seizures last only a few seconds. Others may take several minutes.
Many people wrongly believe that epilepsy can be transferred by touching someone during a seizure.
This is false. Epilepsy is not infectious.
The signs and symptoms of epilepsy vary. The most recognised symptom is convulsions — when a person falls and jerks repeatedly.
However, not all seizures involve dramatic shaking.
Some people may simply stare into space, smack their lips repeatedly, become confused, or suddenly lose muscle control and drop objects.
After a seizure, the person may feel tired, confused, or develop a headache.
There is no single cause of epilepsy.
It can result from a brain injury, infections affecting the brain such as meningitis, complications at birth, stroke, brain tumours or genetic factors. In some cases, the exact cause is unknown.
Certain triggers can provoke seizures in people who already have epilepsy.
These include lack of sleep, stress, flashing lights, alcohol abuse, missing medication, or high fever in children.
The encouraging news is that epilepsy is highly treatable.
According to global estimates, over 70 per cent of people living with epilepsy could become seizure-free if they had access to appropriate anti-seizure medication.
Prof. Adjei noted that more than 26 medications were available to treat the condition, and in some cases, where a brain lesion was identified and surgically removed, the person could be effectively cured. Yet treatment is only helpful if people seek it.
Equally important is knowing how to help someone during a seizure. First, remain calm.
Do not run away.
Gently guide the person away from danger, such as sharp objects, fire or traffic.
Lay the person on their side to help them breathe and prevent choking. Loosen tight clothing around the neck.
Do not put anything in the person’s mouth; they cannot swallow.
Do not restrain their movements.
Time the seizure if possible.
If it lasts longer than five minutes, or if another seizure quickly follows, seek urgent medical attention.
Most seizures stop on their own within a few minutes.
The Daily Graphic charges society to play a critical role in reducing both the incidence and the stigma of epilepsy.
As a country, we must improve maternal and child health care, ensure safe deliveries, vaccinate children against infections that can affect the brain, promote road safety to reduce head injuries, and encourage prompt treatment of fevers and infections as part of the preventive measures.
Public education must also address harmful alcohol use and substance abuse, which can trigger seizures.
However, beyond prevention, there is the urgent need to end discrimination.
People with epilepsy should not be denied schooling, employment, marriage prospects or social participation.
Carers, too, should not be mocked or ostracised. Epilepsy is no different from hypertension or diabetes, conditions that also require long-term management.
The Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, schools, churches, mosques, traditional and opinion leaders must all join in spreading accurate information to correct myths and encourage treatment-seeking behaviour for people to understand that the disease is a medical condition and not a spiritual affliction.
When this is done, compassion will replace fear.
One per cent of Ghana’s population (about 330,000 people) are estimated to be living with epilepsy.
That means nearly every extended family may know someone affected. It is only education, empathy and access to care that will make the condition disappear and not silence and stigma.
