Nagpur: Nearly 60% of children seeking treatment for neurological disorders are diagnosed with epilepsy, commonly known as seizures, while the prevalence among adults stands at 30 to 40%, experts from the Nagpur Epilepsy Association said.Despite the high incidence, widespread ignorance and deep-rooted myths continue to prevent patients from seeking timely medical care, said association president and well-known neurologist Dr Vasant Dangra, along with secretary and paediatric neurologist Dr Amarjeet Wagh.March 26 is observed globally as Purple Day to raise awareness about epilepsy. The association conducted a special awareness campaign from March 18 to 26 to mark the occasion.Dr Dangra explained that epilepsy is a neurological condition caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, leading to recurrent seizures. “It can affect anyone at any age and is not a contagious disease,” he said.Dr Wagh highlighted that 70 to 80% of epilepsy cases can be completely cured, particularly among patients with normal brain development. “With regular medication for two to three years, most patients recover fully. In complex cases, lifelong medication or even surgery can be highly effective,” he said. Timely diagnosis is crucial. Epilepsy can be accurately diagnosed through clinical examination, EEG and brain imaging, enabling faster relief and better outcomes for patients, he added.Experts also raised concern over prevailing superstitions surrounding the condition. Many people still believe epilepsy is caused by supernatural forces, leading them to seek help from faith healers instead of medical professionals. There are also misconceptions that people with epilepsy cannot study, work or get married. “Such myths are baseless. With proper treatment, patients with epilepsy can lead completely normal and successful lives,” the doctors emphasised.
