Happy International Epilepsy Day to all of us! 

We celebrate 2nd monday of February every year as International Epilepsy Day with the goal to reduce stigmatization, promote understanding, and support those living with epilepsy. This initiative was taken in 2015 by International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE). This day also aims to serve as a platform for people with epilepsy to share their experiences and stories with a global audience. If you or someone you know is living with epilepsy, know that your story matters. Let’s use today to learn and spread awareness. 

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder affecting 65 million individuals worldwide and its prevalence in India is 5.59 per 1000 (Bharucha, 2003). Studies show approximately 75% of epilepsy begins during childhood. Which indicates the heightened vulnerability of the developing brain to seizures.

What is Epilepsy 

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder identified by recurrent seizures, which occur due to sudden and intense bursts of electrical activity in the brain; it affects neurobiological, cognitive, psychological, and social domains of functioning. 

A seizure occurs either because of hyperexcitability or hypersynchrony in the brain’s neurons. Hyperexcitability happens when brain cells become overly reactive, making it easier for a seizure to occur. Normally, the brain maintains a balance between excitement and inhibition, but when excitement overpowers inhibition—a seizure is triggered. 

On the other hand, Hypersynchrony refers to a large groups of neurons firing together in a highly coordinated way, leading to a full-blown seizure. Know more about Epilepsy in our previous blogs on symptoms of Epilepsy and how to support someone with Epilepsy.

How Epilepsy affects the Brain

Epilepsy is diagnosed when an individual experiences two or more than two seizures. However, epilepsy is more than just seizure episodes. Frequent and recurrent epileptic seizures lead to irreversible damage to the brain which may cause cognitive changes and affect various areas of functioning. Brain regions like the hippocampus, amygdala, frontal cortex, temporal cortex, and olfactory cortex are the common areas involved in seizures. Repeated seizure episodes affect functioning of the above mentioned areas leading to slower recall, delayed comprehension, difficulty in attention and speech output.

• Hippocampus plays an important role in memory processing, emotions, spatial navigation, and learning. The hippocampus plays an important role in epilepsy. Seizures have been known to cause abnormal neurogenesis in the hippocampus and form faulty circuits that disrupt its function. Hippocampal sclerosis is presented as tissue shrinkage, loss of cells, and reactive gliosis in the hippocampus.

• Amygdala Repeated seizures can cause amygdala shrinkage (atrophy), leading to difficulties in emotional regulation. Hyperexcitability of neurons in this region can contribute to heightened emotional responses, anxiety disorders, and even depression.

• Frontal Lobe supports the functioning of higher-level cognitive processes, which include executive functions and working memory. It also has an effect on motor functions, emotional control and inhibition. Cognitive deficits and behavioural disorders are seen in individuals when seizure occur in frontal lobe and are manifested by impaired attention and difficulty in more complex behaviours, including executive functions (planning, anticipation, organization, initiation, working memory and task performance).

• Temporal Lobe The main functions of the temporal lobe include speech, learning, memory and affective behaviour. The damage to the structures within the lobe would disrupt the mentioned functions. Memory impairment, anxiety and depression are common in people with temporal lobe epilepsy. 

• Olfactory cortex shows reduced olfactory functioning, confusion in test, and unpleasant auras.

So now we know Epilepsy is more than just seizure episodes—it affects cognition, emotions, and daily life functions. Understanding its impact helps reduce stigma and improve support for those living with the condition. Raise awareness and advocate for better care!

Ref:

International Epilepsy Day | International Epilepsy Charity 

Bharucha, N. E. Epidemiology of Epilepsy in India. Epilepsia, 44, 9-11. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1528-1157.44.s.1.5.x

Sridharan, R., & Murthy, B. N. (1999). Prevalence and Pattern of Epilepsy in India. Epilepsia, 40(5), 631-636. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1528-1157.1999.tb05566.x