Epidemiology of epilepsy--Indian perspective

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Epilepsy is a significant neurological disorder with an estimated 5 million cases in India.
• Epidemiological data from India reveals prevalence rates around 5/1000 population and incidence rates of 38-49.3 per 100,000 population per year.
• Studies indicate a considerable treatment gap, with 73.7% to 78% of patients not receiving adequate treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing epidemiological studies on epilepsy in India.
• To identify significant risk factors, seizure patterns, and unique etiological aspects in the Indian subcontinent.
• To highlight the treatment gap and propose future research directions.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of approximately 20 epidemiological studies from various regions of India.
• Review of case-control studies to determine risk factors.
• Examination of seizure pattern data and etiological findings.

Main Results:

• Generalised seizures are the most common type in India, contrasting with Western countries where partial seizures predominate.
• Significant risk factors identified include febrile seizures, family history of epilepsy, and head trauma.
• Unique features observed are hot water epilepsy in South India and solitary ring-enhancing brain lesions.

Conclusions:

• Further case-control studies are needed to elucidate the etiology of epilepsy in India.
• Pharmaco-economic studies are essential to identify affordable treatment options.
• Mass health education is crucial to reduce social stigma and improve attitudes towards epilepsy.