Epilepsy & Treatment

Epilepsy is a common neurological condition that affects 1% of the population. Huge resources have been alloted to determining ways to improve diagnosis and treatment. Far fewer have been allocated to help epilepsy patients deal with their condition and maximize their participation in society. Seizures significantly affects the self-image of those afflicted, how they are regarded by their family and society at large. The self-management skills required to deal with the condition are considerable. Many individuals with epilepsy have accompanying cognitive and behavioral issues making it difficult for them to comply with treatment; and even if they do achieve reasonable seizure control, limits their participation in society. Epilepsy also impacts the life of loved-ones and caregivers, causing major upheavals in family life and dynamics. In many societies, families often face these crises alone, afraid of the stigma that their cultures impose on those with the condition. The resources and support needed by families to deal with their loved-ones condition are often non-existent. Much has occurred since Alfred Hauptmann’s serendipitous discovery of phenobarbital as a seizure medication in 1912. The array of diagnostic and therapeutic options for epilepsy care can be mind-boggling. However epilepsy care circa-2018 can no longer be confined to best treatment practices and should focus on helping our patients maximize their human potential. The 1997 global campaign against epilepsy: Out of the shadows has done wonders to raise public awareness and acceptability of the condition. Our goal should now be to help our patients come into the light.