Tezpur — Epilepsy is posing a major threat to the State as it is carrying a huge burden of 3 lakhs epilepsy patients, as per a study by Guwahati-based GNRC Hospitals.

The study further reveals that Sonitpur district alone has a huge epileptic population of 14, 445. The study has been prepared by compiling and analysing data from records of last 18 years maintained by the GNRC and various other sources.

Briefing a press meet on Wednesday here, Dr Prasenjit Deka, Consultant, Department of Neurology, GNRC Hospitals, said, “Most of us understand that seizure is the synonym of epilepsy. But in reality, epilepsy is more than seizures. The State is facing a debilitating burden of 3 lakhs epilepsy patients. But, the point which needs to be focused is that majority of those cases are unrecognised and hence untreated, reported Assam Tribune.

For example, Sonitpur district has around 14,445 patients. But, unfortunately 98 per cent of them are untreated. Such a scenario is affecting the socio-economic health of our State.”

The noted physician added that epilepsy is not a curse. People with epilepsy are in no way less qualified than a person without epilepsy. People suffering from epilepsy are fit to be employed. They can participate in sports and they can live a happy married life.

There are more that 40 symptoms of epilepsy. “We need to know all of those symptoms. This knowledge is equally important for both medical professionals as well as common people. It will help us detect epilepsy cases in more numbers and starts early treatment. With proper and accurate medicine, 75 per cent of the epilepsy cases can be cured. For rest of the 25 per cent cases, we analyse a patient with video EEG, MRI and neuropsychology evaluation and then some of them can be cured by surgeries. Epilepsy surgeries can control 15 per cent of epilepsy cases,” Dr Deka said, adding that lack of timely treatment can cause mental retardation in epileptic children. Awareness is a must for curbing epilepsy, he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Sotabdee Borah, CEO, GNRC Six Mile, said, “We are planning to organise free epilepsy detection and counselling camps in all the districts of Assam. Our team of neurologists and epilepsy experts will be available for consultation in the camps. There will be no free for attending those camps so that maximum people can be reached out and helped. The first camp will be organised at EMM Hospital, Tezpur, on February 25.”