Neurologists Raise Alarm Over Youth Substance Abuse Complicating Epilepsy Care
On the occasion of International Epilepsy Day, observed this Monday, medical professionals in Ranchi have voiced significant concerns regarding the escalating consumption of alcohol and other substances among adolescents and young adults. Doctors warn that these detrimental habits are severely complicating the management of seizures and the overall treatment of epilepsy.
Lifestyle Factors and Medication Interference
Neurologists point to changing lifestyles, heightened stress levels, and widespread misinformation as key factors increasingly undermining treatment outcomes for young patients. Dr. Manisha, a neurologist at Paras Hospital, provided a stark assessment. "Alcohol directly interferes with anti-seizure medications and hampers treatment," she stated. "Many young patients continue drinking while on medication, which reduces the drugs' effectiveness and significantly increases the chances of recurrent seizures."
Dr. Manisha reported observing a steady rise in youth cases directly linked to poor lifestyle choices. "Over the past six months, I have treated four to five seizure cases every month specifically in younger age groups," she noted. She explained that stress often acts as a catalyst, pushing individuals towards alcohol or other substances as a misguided coping mechanism. "They feel it helps them cope, but in reality, it worsens brain instability, creating a vicious and dangerous cycle."
Medical Causes and Treatment Outlook
On the broader medical causes of epilepsy, Dr. Manisha clarified the origins. "Epilepsy is often linked to genetic factors, particularly in children, as well as birth-related complications," she said. "In other cases, seizures may result from head injuries, accidents, or brain trauma. Patterns vary across age groups, but the encouraging part is that 70 to 80% of cases are controllable with proper medication and a stable, healthy lifestyle."
Health experts also took the opportunity to dispel a common fear, emphasizing that deaths directly due to epilepsy are rare. "In some instances, alcohol withdrawal can trigger loss of consciousness, convulsions, and accidental deaths, which are often mistakenly attributed to epilepsy itself," Dr. Manisha added, highlighting a critical distinction.
Urgent Need for Awareness and Prompt Care
Ranchi Civil Surgeon Prabhat Kumar underscored the importance of immediate medical attention. "Seizures and convulsions require prompt care. Early consultation and increased public awareness can prevent serious, long-term complications," he urged.
Combating Stigma and Misinformation in Rural Areas
A significant barrier to effective treatment, according to doctors, remains the deep-rooted stigma and misinformation, particularly in rural communities. "In rural areas, the condition is still viewed as contagious or linked to supernatural possession," explained a doctor. "Patients consequently face severe social isolation, are taken to faith healers instead of medical professionals, and encounter widespread discrimination in marriage, employment, and daily life. These persistent myths dangerously delay proper treatment and worsen health outcomes."
The collective message from healthcare providers on International Epilepsy Day is clear: a multi-pronged approach addressing substance abuse, promoting mental health, combating stigma, and ensuring timely medical intervention is crucial for improving the lives of young people living with epilepsy.
