Consanguinity is not the only culprit of epilepsy in the Middle East

DUBAI, UAE - Jan. 14, 2016 - PRLog -- Consanguinity is quite common in the Middle East. According to studies there is a strong correlation between consanguinity and developing epilepsy.  Population studies revealed an increased familial occurrence of epilepsy among first degree and to a lesser degree second degree relatives.

Epilepsy is more common in the first decade of life. However adults may also develop epilepsy mostly as a result of brain injury, infection, tumour, and inflammation to name a few. In paediatric patients it is sometimes a result of malformation of the brain.

“Epilepsy is usually identified when the patient experiences unprovoked convulsions; characterized by grand seizures or subtle episodes of confusion or loss of awareness with or without involuntary movements. It could be a primary diagnosis or a secondary one resulting from a host of brain conditions,” says Dr Deepak Lachwani, Epilepsy Center, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Dr. Lachwani will discuss the latest updates in paediatric epilepsy at the Paediatrics Conference during the Arab Health Exhibition and Congress. The conference will take place from the 25-27 January 2016 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center Dubai, UAE.

Fortunately the factors that cause epilepsy are sometimes preventable or at least modifiable. There is a significant incidence of marriages within the family in the countries of the Middle East, which in itself is a risk factor for epilepsy. Although an effective treatment exists for most people suffering from epilepsy, utilization of these resources is often limited and the majority of these patients are inadequately and inappropriately treated because of limited health resources, lack of prioritization, and gaps in their localised health policies.

According to the WHO up to 70% of people who suffer from epilepsy could live productive and fulfilling lives, free from seizures, if provided with a suitable course of treatment.  However epilepsy does take a heavy toll on those who suffer from the condition financially and emotionally and also have a heavy impact on the families and care givers. An adequate treatment will be essential in keeping up opportunities and productivity of the individual.