New approaches to solving epilepsy problems
What is epilepsy and how to deal with this ailment was discussed the other day by leading experts in the field of epileptology and neurology at the round table “Actual problems of epilepsy treatment” in Saratov.
In the world have epilepsy about 50 million people. This is one of the most common and serious neurological diseases.
Considering the urgency of this problem and the need to develop and implement modern methods of epilepsy treatment, in 2013 , the Russian Antiepileptic League and the non-profit partnership “Union of Epileptologists and Patients” initiated the medical and social program “Attention – Epilepsy!”
In the world have epilepsy about 50 million people.
The problem of pediatric epileptology was especially discussed at the round table. Indeed, it is at this age that the main risk of the disease falls. A delay in the appointment of therapy can lead to serious consequences: the development of mental retardation, delayed psychomotor development. Due to the success of modern pharmacotherapy, in 70 % of cases, complete control of seizures is possible. It is important to emphasize that all issues related to the child’s therapy must be decided by the doctor. You should not self-medicate, since the inadequacy of the drug to the nature of the attacks can lead to their frequency and deterioration.
Social stigmatization is also a serious problem of the disease. For example, some kindergartens refuse to accept children with a similar diagnosis. But in most cases, if epileptic seizures are under control or are rarely observed, and the child does not suffer from mental retardation, such a refusal is not justified.
Adult patients with epilepsy often try to hide their diagnosis from others and even doctors because of fear of the social consequences associated with the diagnosis: job loss, registration with a neuropsychiatric dispensary, professional and other restrictions. However, many young people who have seizures under control successfully graduate from high school and attend colleges and universities. The list of possible occupations is endless – people with rare epileptic seizures can work as doctors, teachers, lawyers, social workers and other specialties. Therefore, one of the key tasks of the Attention – Epilepsy! is to increase public awareness about this disease in order to achieve proper loyalty to such patients and reduce social stigmatization.
Adult patients with epilepsy often try to hide their diagnosis from others and even doctors for fear of the social consequences associated with the diagnosis.
The result of the round table was a resolution, which reflects the main measures to help patients with epilepsy in the Saratov region. For example, it was proposed to organize an office for patients with epilepsy and treatment of paroxysmal conditions, where all patients in Saratov and the region will be coordinated . An equally important point of the document is the creation of a unified regional electronic database for dynamic observation of children and adults with this pathology.