New Delhi (NVI): The cause of epilepsy – a neurological condition that causes seizures – remains unknown for 6 out of 10 people, but an estimated 25 per cent of such cases are preventable, according to World Health Organization (WHO).
Scientists suspect unidentified genetic factors are likely behind the epilepsy cases with unknown causes. Because the relationship between genes and seizures is complex, genetic testing is unavailable for many forms of epilepsy.
According to WHO, the condition affects around 50 million people worldwide. It is often lifelong, but in most cases, people with the condition are able to control their seizures through medication and lifestyle modification that includes eating a healthy diet.
In order to prevent it, preventing head injury is the most effective way to prevent post-traumatic epilepsy. Adequate perinatal care can reduce new cases of epilepsy caused by birth injury.
The use of drugs and other methods to lower the body temperature of a feverish child can, reduce the chance of febrile seizures. Also, the prevention of epilepsy associated with stroke is focused on cardiovascular risk factor reduction, e.g. measures to prevent or control high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity, and the avoidance of tobacco and excessive alcohol use.
Central nervous system infections are also common causes of epilepsy in tropical areas, where many low- and middle-income countries are concentrated. Elimination of parasites in these environments and education on how to avoid infections can be effective ways to reduce epilepsy worldwide, for example those cases due to neurocysticercosis.
