Last modified: 2018-09-09
Abstract
Introduction- Epilepsy is one of the most common serious neurological disorders prevalent in childhood and more than 50% of seizures start in childhood. Prevalence rate of epilepsy is higher in developing countries.
Material and methods- This is a three staged ongoing cross sectional epidemiological survey to determine the prevalence of childhood epilepsy in a rural population of approximately 42,000.
First stage- Children between 2months to 18 years, were screened by validated screening questionnaire by door to door survey by trained health workers.
Second stage- Those screened positive are assessed by pediatric neurologists.
Third stage- Those with history consistent with epilepsy undergo a free EEG and be advised about appropriate treatment.
Treatment gap and knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of mothers/ parents are also evaluated.
Results- In the first stage 263 children were screened positive. Among the children seen by pediatric neurologist till date (second stage), 30 gave history consistent with seizure (either single or multiple), excluding febrile seizures, breath holding spells etc. 13 children gave history of generalized seizures and 17 had focal onset of seizures, 1 of whom passed away due to status epilepticus. Treatment gap was found to be 13%. (Complete results are expected by August 2018)
Conclusion- Prevalence of epilepsy was found to be ~1/1000 population. There is a considerable improvement in KAP among the caregivers as well as a reduced treatment gap from before. To the best of our knowledge, study incorporating EEG in an epidemiological survey is the first of its kind in India.