New Delhi: As reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) there are 50 million cases of epilepsy around the world and 10 million of those are in India alone. This means that there is a population that is more than 50 million worldly that has some kind of a seizure disorder this number is high enough to make epilepsy the second most common disorder. In India, the prevalence of the condition is one per cent in the population and poses a considerable health care challenge in less developed countries where both awareness as well as treatment options are lacking.

According to Dr. Anup Rawool, associate director who works in medical genetics as well as being the head of scientific and medical affairs for MedGenome, “Studies have shown that the development of epilepsy is due to a number of factors with environmental factors contributing to 20-30% of the case and genetics contributing to 70-80% of the cases. A history of medical illnesses such as neurocysticercosis and TB meningitis, or even trauma such as a traumatic brain injury or a stroke falls under this acquired cause umbrella. While significant mutations in the SCN1A, SCN2A, KCNQ2, and DEPDC5 genes are associated with various epilepsy syndromes, Bhandari et al (2011) have stated that most cases of epilepsy syndromes do not have any associated family history. Such syndromes include Dravet syndrome where children tend to develop severe forms of medications resistant epilepsy during the first year of their birth due to a genetic mutation on the SCN1A. ”

Dravet syndrome, for example, is usually characterized by a mutation in the SCN1A gene and is considered a medication resistant form of severe pediatric epilepsy and includes seizures alongside a range of psychological symptoms such as anxiety, fear or even deja vu. Other causes include, but are not limited to, head trauma, tumours in the brain, and even a stroke in older patients above 35 years of age, as well as autism which makes one more vulnerable to developing epilepsy because of the aforementioned factors. Cases of neurocysticercosis as well as tuberculosis meningitis while also being prevalent in urban areas are a common cause of epilepsy in rural India.

The Transformation in Medical Diagnosis and Treatment ushered in by Genetics Research

Through genetics research, epilepsy can be understood more deeply, as it illustrates that gene mutations can lead to syndromes such as Dravet syndrome, or childhood absence epilepsy. An illustration of this is SCN1A mutations which impair sodium channels in neurons which results in abnormal growth in the brain. There are now more reliable methods such as gene and DNA testing, and non-conventional methods such as targeted medication, do prenatal testing for families with an epilepsy history, and ketogenic diet for people with drug-resistant epilepsy. However, the most significant barriers to enhanced care include the high cost of genetic testing and low availability of such tests in countries like India. There is a great need for subsidized testing, heightened awareness, and making the process easier to encourage broader testing.

The Genetic Heritage of the Indian Subcontinent: A Reevaluation of History

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder that is more prevalent in India when compared to the global proportion. The Indian population also carries the highest burden of genetic disorders, hence understanding the molecular perspective will aid India’s cause. The Indian Council of Medical Research has also published research that targets the eastern region’s gene pool by exploring population-specific variants. More Indian research institutions must join hands with global leaders to find crucial insights into the genetic factors responsible for mutation, including genes such as CACNA1H and CHRNA4, which are necessary to understand the context of epilepsy. Targeting initiatives to tackle these concerns could foster better treatment and care for patients suffering from the condition.

Normalizing Epilepsy: Defeating the Stigma and Raising Consciousness

St), simultaneously leading to depression and anxiety. In India, this condition leads to social phobia which is already a prominent concern. Moving forward, tackling stigma has to be of utmost importance. Programs promoting the idea of treating epilepsy as a common condition will help people feel more comfortable with coming forward and sharing their experiences, spreading awareness and expanding support will contribute immensely. It is essential to support and educate children suffering from internet induced social isolation. Increasing awareness about the stigma along with educating children and young adults on how to tackle it will greatly improve the condition in the long run.

The use of genetic factors into the process of provision of care to those afflicted with epilepsy can be regarded as a game-changing development. By targeting the prenatal and family screening that lessens the inherited epilepsy syndromes burden and taking advantage of the genetic variations found in India through further seeking for suitable mutations, Essays on epilepsy continue to move forward and as they do, India Is likely to be at the centre of the spectrum in terms of advances in the care of epilepsy. Such advances have the potential to greatly increase the number of people who will need help, as it will be possible to disaggregate the genetic risks of developing epilepsy using the specific genetics of the country. There is a significant opportunity to modify the approach to patients with the given condition by applying personalized medicine, and this demand in India and throughout the world has the potential to reach millions of people with epilepsy.