Hamad Medical Corporation Observes International Epilepsy Day to Draw Attention to Epilepsy and the Stigma Attached It

9 February 2023 – Hamad Medical Corporation’s Neuroscience Institute and Epilepsy Services team observed International Epilepsy Day to highlight the neurological disease which affects more than 50 million people around the world, according to the World Health Organization.

Dr Ahmed Own, Director of the Neuroscience Institute welcomed guests to the one day-long public awareness campaign and activities held at Hamad General Hospital’s main entrance. He says the campaign was an opportunity to create awareness to break down the myths and misconceptions that exist around epilepsy amongst the public and to educate them about how to respond to a person experiencing a seizure due to epilepsy.

“The WHO says epilepsy is a broad term used for a brain disorder that causes seizures. There are many different types of epilepsy and there are different kinds of seizures. The world health body notes that around 50% of adults with epilepsy experience social stigma as a result of their epilepsy and because of that, this year’s theme for International Epilepsy Day is ‘Step Up Against Stigma’ with the hope to provide a platform for people with epilepsy, and those who care for them, and to dispel myths with facts,” notes Dr. Hassan Al Hail, Head of Epilepsy Services at HMC .

He explains that stigma and discrimination against people with epilepsy are widespread and it substantially impair their quality of life, social well-being, and healthcare seeking. “It is important for people around those living with epilepsy to avoid discrimination and isolation and show support instead because epilepsy is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person like an infection,” he points out.

According to the WHO, around 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological diseases globally. The health body states that an estimated 25% of epilepsy cases are preventable and an estimated 70% of people with epilepsy can live seizure-free if properly diagnosed and treated.

Dr. Al Hail states that for this year, the key messages are focused on the treatment and reducing the burden of epilepsy as well as improving the quality of life of people with epilepsy, their caregivers, and families. It is also an opportunity to highlight that epilepsy is a treatable brain condition which means that a person experiences repeated seizure caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, he stresses.

He emphasized that one of the goals for the International Epilepsy Day is to highlight epilepsy among the public and to ensure they are aware of its causes in order to avoid stigmatizing those with the condition. “Stigma can lead to discrimination and isolation of people with epilepsy and it can make them seek non-medical treatment with no effectiveness and that could prevent them from leading a normal life,” he adds. 

Dr. Sirajeddin Belkhair, Senior Consultant and Head of Neurosurgery Department states that poorly controlled epilepsy can result in a few complications and health risks such as brain hypoxia and brain death. He also says that surgery is being recommended as a treatment option for epilepsy when medicines fail. “Epilepsy surgery is a treatment option when medicines don't control seizures. Surgery is also done to reduce seizure-related deaths, decrease the use of anti-seizure medications and decrease the possible side effects of the medicines,” he notes.

“At the Neuroscience Institute, we have launched first stage of epilepsy surgery where we surgically remove brain lesions that can be seen in MRI and cause epilepsy. During surgery, we use intra operative EEG to localize any seizure focus that cannot be seen in MRI. So far, we have successfully performed surgeries for eight patients who were suffering from epilepsy,” Dr. Belkhair adds.

Dr Gayane Melikyan, Consultant Neurology/Epilepsy at HMC notes that epilepsy can affect people in different ways, however, everyone's experience of living with the condition is different. She emphasizes that while seizures may limit certain activities, many people with epilepsy can lead active, fulfilling lives. “People with epilepsy can work, go to school, drive, and enjoy a variety of hobbies with the right treatment and support. However, there are some general advice that can help them such as taking medications as prescribed by their doctors and identifying or avoiding seizure triggers,” she explains.

Dr. Melikyan stresses that while not the case for everyone with epilepsy, seizures can sometimes have a trigger such stress, lack of sleep and alcohol. According to her, some tips to help people with epilepsy stay safe at home include:

• Using guards on heaters and radiators to prevent accidental falling directly on to them
• Covering any furniture edges or corners that are sharp or stick out
• Having a shower instead of a bath and not locking the bathroom door

Anyone who does not have epilepsy but feel like they had a seizure but not sure, should take a referral from their primary health center or from a private hospital to see a specialist at HGH’s Neurology Department or they should consult a private neurologist.