- Awareness Program on Advanced Epilepsy Surgery Held in Lucknow
- Experts Say: Don’t Fear—Right Information Is the Best Treatment
TIL Desk Lucknow:
Despite being a common neurological disorder, epilepsy continues to be surrounded by myths and fear in society. To address this, a public awareness program was organized in Lucknow, where Dr. Siby Gopinath, Director of the Advanced Epilepsy Center at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, and Dr. Anup Kumar Thackar, Director of Neurology at Medanta Hospital, discussed in detail the importance of epilepsy surgery.
Nearly 15 million people in India are affected by epilepsy. The encouraging news is that with appropriate medications, seizures can be completely controlled in over 70 percent of patients. However, around 30 percent of patients do not respond adequately to medicines. In such cases, surgery can be a safe and effective option.
Dr. Siby Gopinath stated, “Epilepsy surgery is not something to fear—it is something to understand. After proper evaluation, carefully selected patients can achieve a seizure-free life through surgery. In many cases, medications can also be gradually discontinued after the procedure.”
Dr. Anup Kumar Thackar added, “When medicines fail, epilepsy surgery offers hope. It is not an expense, but an investment in life. We first identify the exact area of the brain where seizures originate, and then plan treatment accordingly.”
Experts also highlighted that in rural areas, three out of four patients do not receive proper treatment. Superstitions, social stigma, and lack of awareness are major contributing factors. It is estimated that nearly 5 million patients in the country may be eligible for surgery, yet only about 1,000 surgeries are performed each year.
Modern diagnostic technologies can accurately determine the origin of seizures in the brain, but such facilities are currently limited to a few advanced centers in the country. Due to distance, cost, and lack of local resources, most patients are unable to access these services. With an estimated 5 million people potentially eligible for surgery, raising awareness is crucial.
The key message of the program was clear: not all epilepsy is incurable. With timely evaluation and consultation at the right medical centers, thousands of patients can lead normal and dignified lives. Experts believe that this initiative in Lucknow marks an important step toward strengthening advanced epilepsy surgery services in North India.
