According to statistics from the Department of Mental Health , Ministry of Public Health, currently, there are 650,000 Thais suffering from non-convulsive epilepsy , but only 1 in 10 of the population receives treatment. This disease is considered a silent threat that can occur to people of all ages. And genders, with symptoms of blurred vision, dazed eyes, and frequent fainting. These symptoms should not be overlook, as they increase the risk of developing epilepsy without warning. If left untreated and left with frequent symptoms, it can result in early brain degeneration and lead to up to 30 percent of people suffering from psychiatric disorders.
What is epilepsy? What causes it?
Dr. Rapporn Thaksinwaracharn, a neurology specialist at Phramongkutklao Hospital, said that Epilepsy , or what Thais call ” epilepsy,” is a brain disease that can occur in people of all ages and genders. In addition to being found in patients with intellectual disabilities and autism. It can also occur in anyone who is physically healthy.
The main cause of epilepsy is from millions of brain cells that work together like an electrical circuit and release abnormal electrical waves at the same time suddenly. Therefore, the control of brain function is temporarily lost. This disease can be caused by many factors, including genetics, brain infection, lack of oxygen to the brain, drinking alcohol, accidents that cause scarring in the brain. Or brain cells being in the wrong place, or having a brain tumor.
According to statistics from around the world, there are about 50 million people suffering from this disease, with 2 out of 3 living in Asia. In Thailand, it is estimated that 1 percent or about 650,000 people nationwide suffer from this disease. However, the statistics show that people seek treatment are very few, about 10 percent. According to data from 2015, there were 79,385 people seeking treatment, 49,100 men and 30,285 women.
Symptoms of Epilepsy
Symptoms of epilepsy are divided into 2 types:
- The symptoms of convulsions throughout the body are similar to epilepsy. The characteristics of this type of seizure are clearly visible. Most Thai people are familiar with and know it as epilepsy.
- Suddenly, you feel dizzy, absent-minded, or unconscious. Or what is called a “temporary blackout.” You may also have your eyes wide open or roll over. This is most common in children aged 6-14 years.
The symptoms of this type of epilepsy are still very little known to Thai people and are often mistaken for fainting or general seizures. So they do not seek treatment in a timely manner.
Dangers of Epilepsy
If you have the symptoms mentioned above in 2 types of symptoms, do not be indifferent. You should see a doctor immediately to diagnose the cause of the seizure as soon as possible and provide treatment according to the cause. For example, if the seizure is caused by general abnormal brain waves. Treatment with medication will be given to control the seizure. By adjusting the electrical current in the brain to return to normal function. Preventing brain cells from being destroyed.
If it is caused by a brain tumor, surgery may be used to remove the tumor. However, if a person with seizures receives early treatment, especially after the first symptom, there is a high chance of a complete cure and they can return to school or work. However, if they are not treat. They will have frequent seizures. In some cases, they may occur in sets or throughout the day. This can have life-threatening consequences, especially epileptic seizures, which can cause brain cell death and lead to dementia at a young age.
In addition, 30 percent can lead to psychiatric disorders. Which is considered a silent danger that cannot be anticipated. For epilepsy treatment, patients must strictly adhere to the principles of taking medication continuously, do not stop taking medication by yourself, and do not reduce the number of medications by yourself. It takes at least 2 years of treatment to effectively control seizures. The doctor will consider reducing or stopping the medication himself. Approximately 70 percent of patients will have a chance to recover completely. Another 30 percent will have better symptoms, even if the seizures do not disappear completely.
Helping Epilepsy Patients
Epilepsy patients have a 2-3 times higher risk of death than normal people. Therefore, when helping someone who is having a seizure, the public who sees them should do the following:
- Keep calm and be careful not to cause harm to the patient from having a seizure. Do not choke on saliva or food by tilting the head and body to the side.
- Take care not to let any objects that could cause harm to the patient directly hit the patient, such as a hot water kettle or any solid equipment, so as not to hit the patient’s arms or legs.
- If possible, record the video of the seizures so that the doctor can clearly diagnose the seizures from epilepsy and other diseases. Importantly, it also helps the doctor in diagnosing and finding a treatment method.