In this podcast, Dr. Kate Oye, a pediatric neurologist, discusses epilepsy and seizures in children with special needs. She explains that epilepsy is a disorder of the brain that causes epileptic seizures and affects 20 to 40 million people worldwide. Dr. Oye highlights that environmental factors such as poverty, accidents, and infections contribute to the higher prevalence of epilepsy in lower and middle-income countries. She also discusses the challenges of diagnosing seizures in children with disabilities.
Dr. Oye explains that seizures can be focal onset or generalized onset, and they can have various causes including genetic abnormalities, structural problems in the brain, metabolic disorders, immune conditions, infections, and unknown factors. She emphasizes the impact of epilepsy on the overall well-being of children with disabilities, including behavioral issues, sleep disturbances, psychiatric disorders, feeding challenges, and sensory issues.
The podcast transcript also features Dr. Sylvia Mora Motha Insik and Dr. Katee from Aga Khan Hospital, who discuss the importance of medication in managing epilepsy. They highlight that consistent medication intake for 2 to 3 years can lead to remission in over 70% of children with epilepsy. However, they express concern about the financial burden of purchasing medication and the recent stock outs of anti-seizure medicines due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The podcast aims to raise awareness and support for children with epilepsy and special needs, and the speakers call for more affordable and accessible medication, suggesting the possibility of local production. They emphasize the importance of medication compliance for better outcomes and encourage stakeholders and decision-makers to take action on these issues.