AKUH 'Signs, Symptoms and Care' Programme

Epilepsy is Not a Mental Disorder but a Neurological Disease -  85% Adults Experience Spinal Pain

"Epilepsy is a common condition, affecting one per cent of all people worldwide and about five per cent of us suffer a seizure at some point during our lives." This was stated by Dr Nadir Ali Syed, Associate Dean, Postgraduate Medical Education and Head of the Neurology Section at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi, while giving a presentation on 'Epilepsy - Diagnosis and Treatment'. Dr Syed was speaking at 'Signs, Symptoms and Care', programme organised by the University Hospital at Renaissance Hotel, Dubai on February 16, 2005.

Dr Syed explained that epilepsy can be confused with other medical and psychiatric conditions leading to misdiagnosis and mismanagement, which can increase the physical and emotional suffering of the patient. "Epilepsy is not a mental disorder but a neurological disease which is characterised by recurrent seizures that are caused by abnormal excessive electrical discharges in the brain," stressed Dr Syed. "Seizures can be very variable in their presentation. Small or focal seizures affecting a small part of the brain can cause episodes of confusion and loss of memory lasting a couple of minutes whereas generalised seizures affecting the whole brain lead to sudden loss of consciousness, and stiffening and jerking of all limbs lasting several minutes during which time a person can suffer serious injury," Dr Syed added.

The last 20 years have witnessed tremendous advancement in the diagnosis and therapy of epilepsy. Advanced technology allows brain scans and sophisticated monitoring systems to help manage epilepsy in a far more effective manner. "The advent of over a dozen new medications as well as new surgical procedures and the ketogenic diet allows over 80 per cent of patients with epilepsy to lead a normal life," elaborated Dr Syed. "But despite the many options now available, many patients with epilepsy neglect seeking modern medical treatment and bring needless suffering to themselves and their families," he added. Patients with epilepsy as well as their families should educate themselves about the disease so that they are able to take advantage of new drugs and treatment options to live a full and productive life.

Dr Ather Enam, Associate Professor and Head of Neurosurgery at AKUH, described pain in the spine as one of the most common health problems in a presentation titled 'Common Spine Problems and their Management'. "Nearly 85 per cent of adults experience spinal problems at least once before the age of 50 and the most common symptoms are back or neck pain," he said.

Dr Enam pointed out that there are many causes of pain in the spine, including trauma, strain and sprain, slipped or ruptured disks, bone spurs, infection and tumours. "The majority of spine pain is localised in the lower back or neck and is due to sprains and strains," he explained.

He further maintained that narrowing of the spinal canals may also cause pain in both legs while walking (lumbar spine stenosis) or problems in using the hands and weakness in all four limbs (cervical spine stenosis). "Most spine pain gets better in six weeks' time, whether it is because of a pinched nerve or sprain and strain," Dr Enam added, stressing the importance of treatment through medication and/or physical therapy.

"In a few cases, however, pain is not relieved through non-surgical treatments and surgery should then be considered. Spine problems should not be ignored and consultation with a doctor should be sought early to ensure good recovery. Exercise, proper body mechanics and posture, eating healthy and avoiding being overweight and refraining from are essential measures in preventing spine problems," Dr Enam concluded.

Earlier, Ms Talaat Tyabji, Director, Marketing and Public Affairs, AKU, welcomed the guests and described AKUH as a philanthropic, not-for-profit institution that is committed to the delivery of quality health care to all segments of society. "At present, 504 beds are available at this academic medical centre and the Hospital has become a major referral centre in Pakistan and regularly receives patients from the Middle East, Bangladesh and East Africa," she added.

AKUH's Representative Office in Dubai was inaugurated in May 2002 and is located at the Oud Metha Office Complex, providing convenience and easy access to AKUH's high-quality, cost-effective services to patients in the United Arab Emirates.

As part of its outreach programme and societal commitment of creating awareness of early diagnosis and timely treatment, AKUH has organised over 160 'Signs, Symptoms and Care' programmes in Karachi, Hyderabad and the UAE, benefiting more than 35,000 people.