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Pediatric epilepsy -- an Indian perspective

Vrajesh Udani1

  • 1Grant Medical College & JJ Group of Hospitals, PD Hinduja National Hospital and BJ Wadia Hospital for Children, Mumbai, India. vrajesh@vsnl.com

Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|May 7, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Epilepsy prevalence in India mirrors developed nations, with neurocysticercosis (NCC) as a primary cause. Significant treatment gaps persist, highlighting a public health challenge for epilepsy management.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Epilepsy prevalence in India is comparable to developed countries.
  • Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a leading cause of epilepsy in India.
  • A substantial treatment gap remains a significant public health concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the epidemiology and etiology of epilepsy in India.
  • To highlight the challenges in epilepsy treatment and management.
  • To discuss specific etiologies like NCC and neonatal hypoglycemic brain injury.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing prevalence studies on epilepsy in India.
  • Analysis of etiological factors, particularly neurocysticercosis.
  • Examination of risk factors for intractable epilepsy (IE).

Main Results:

  • Epilepsy prevalence is similar to developed nations; NCC is the predominant etiology.
  • Benign epilepsies and West syndrome are underrepresented in classification studies.
  • Intractable epilepsy risk factors include early onset and neurodevelopmental issues; many cases are treatable.

Conclusions:

  • Addressing the treatment gap for epilepsy in India is crucial.
  • Neurocysticercosis and neonatal brain injury are key areas for intervention.
  • Many cases of presumed intractable epilepsy can be managed with appropriate therapies.

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