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Pediatric epilepsy - an Indian perspective

Vrajesh Udani1

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

Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|April 8, 2017
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 and care.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Epilepsy prevalence in India is comparable to developed countries.
  • Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a predominant etiological factor.
  • A substantial treatment gap remains a significant public health concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the prevalence and etiological factors of epilepsy in India.
  • To highlight the challenges in epilepsy treatment and management.
  • To detail prevalent etiologies like NCC and neonatal hypoglycemic brain injury.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of prevalence studies on epilepsy in India.
  • Review of etiological factors, focusing on neurocysticercosis and neonatal hypoglycemic brain injury.
  • Examination of risk factors for intractable epilepsy (IE).

Main Results:

  • Epilepsy prevalence is similar to developed nations; NCC is a leading cause.
  • Benign epilepsies and West syndrome appear underrepresented in classification studies.
  • Risk factors for intractable epilepsy include early onset and neurodevelopmental issues; many cases are treatable.

Conclusions:

  • Epilepsy management in India faces challenges due to prevalence and treatment gaps.
  • Neurocysticercosis and neonatal brain injury are key etiologies requiring targeted interventions.
  • Further research and improved therapeutic strategies are needed to address the epilepsy burden.

Keywords:
Childhood epilepsyHypoglycemiaIndiaNeurocysticercosis

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