1.5 Million Reproductive-age Women affected with Epilepsy

By: WE Staff | Wednesday, 14 February 2024

India's 1.5 million reproductive-age women face epilepsy, requiring adequate care despite medical advancements and challenges like drug teratogenic effects and increased infertility rates. Every year on February 12, World Epilepsy Day is observed, a day that aims to increase awareness of the neurological condition that causes repeated seizures and to promote immediate action for those who are affected.

Epilepsy affects 50 million people globally, with 10-12 million in India. Social stigma and reluctance to seek medical help often hinder women from receiving necessary care. Reproductive health issues majorly affect the group of women who have epilepsy. With the right treatment, these women can lead regular, healthy lives. Even though the condition is common, there is a significant treatment gap, particularly in low-resource environments like rural India.

Due to the particular difficulties related to pregnancy, women with epilepsy who are of reproductive age, approximately 1.5 million in India need special treatment. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) teratogenic effects and rising incidence of infertility are causes for concern.

Dr. Siby Gopinath, an Epileptologist and Professor of Neurology at Amrita Hospital in Kochi, emphasizes the significance of addressing these issues. The high prevalence of epilepsy in India is largely caused by neuroinfections, head trauma, and metabolic disorders, particularly in women who are of reproductive age. Children are also widely affected as the prevalence is highest in the first year of life and peaks between the ages of one and twelve. Children with epilepsy are difficult to diagnose because of different seizure imitators, thus experienced pediatric neurologists have to analyze the patient.

Women suffering from epilepsy can plan pregnancies after two years of seizure-freeness, requiring collaboration between neurologists, gynecologists, and pediatricians to manage medications and promptly address seizures. The Indian Spinal Injuries Centre (ISIC) in New Delhi's Director and Chief of Neurology, Dr. AK Sahani, emphasizes that women with epilepsy can lead normal lives if they receive immediate and appropriate treatment. In order to guarantee that women receive essential medical care, it is essential to address the particular difficulties they experience, such as societal stigma. Pregnancy planning also reduces the risk of harm to the mother and child from anti-epileptic drugs.