1 in 1,000: The Rising Epilepsy Crisis in Pakistan

News Desk

Islamabad: The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies epilepsy as a serious brain disorder with profound social and familial consequences. Affecting nearly 50 million people worldwide, epilepsy remains a significant health challenge, with Pakistan accounting for a substantial portion of the global burden, according to Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences.

Although comprehensive epidemiological studies on epilepsy in Pakistan are scarce, estimates suggest a prevalence rate of 9.99 per 1,000 people. The highest incidence is observed among individuals under 30 years of age, affecting nearly two million people.

Pakistan contributes to one-tenth of the global epilepsy burden.

Severe Shortage of Neurological Experts

Unlike developed nations where epilepsy care is managed by specialized neurologists or epileptologists, Pakistan faces a critical shortage of neurological experts.

With only one neurologist available per 1.4 million people, the country lags far behind nations like the United States, where the ratio stands at one neurologist per 26,000 people.

Given this stark disparity, experts stress the urgent need for alternative healthcare strategies, including integrating epilepsy care at the primary healthcare level and standardizing treatment on a national scale.

World Epilepsy Day

The Punjab Institute of Neurosciences (PINS) commemorated World Epilepsy Day with a symposium and awareness walk, emphasizing early diagnosis, treatment, and public awareness.

Speaking at the event, Dr Asif Bashir highlighted the global impact of epilepsy, citing causes such as brain injuries, strokes, tumors, and infections like meningitis.

He warned that without proper treatment, epilepsy patients face a heightened risk of premature death.

How Can Stigma Around Epilepsy Be Reduced?

Dr Bashir also underscored the role of public misconceptions and societal stigma in worsening the condition for those living with epilepsy. He urged greater public awareness and support, noting that while epilepsy is not entirely curable, medications can effectively manage seizure severity and frequency.

He advised caregivers to ensure patients:

Adhere to prescribed medication

Maintain regular sleep patterns

Engage in physical activity

Avoid smoking

Timely Diagnosis and Treatment

Senior neurologist Dr Mohsin Zaheer reassured that PINS is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for diagnosing and treating neurological disorders. He urged individuals experiencing epilepsy symptoms or other neurological conditions to seek immediate medical consultation to prevent complications.

With Pakistan shouldering a considerable epilepsy burden and facing a critical shortage of specialists, healthcare experts emphasize the need for improved national strategies, better public awareness, and enhanced epilepsy care at the grassroots level.

Experts Prof Athar Javed and Prof Shahzad Hussain stressed the importance of public awareness and first-aid measures for handling seizures.

They advised:

✅ Placing the patient on their left side

✅ Using a soft object like a pillow or jacket under the head

❌ Avoiding restraint or attempts to stop the seizure