85 Percent of Epileptic Patients Can Be Treated

Faculty member of MUMS Neurology Department said, “On average, one percent of people suffer from epilepsy, but 85% of them can be treated and only 15% do not respond to treatments.”

“Epilepsy generally begins in infancy and childhood, and many cases can be treated with medications. For patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, drug therapy should be accompanied by empowering them to tolerate the disease so that their quality of life is not affected,” added Dr. Javad Akhondian (pediatric neurology sub-specialist) on the sidelines of National Pediatric Epilepsy Congress.

Referring to infections during pregnancy, genetic factors, and brain damage as some causes of epilepsy, he said, “Diagnosis and treatment of the disease is now well possible in Iran, and Mashhad University of Medical Sciences also has good capabilities. In the past there was not much hope for treatment of epilepsy, but now we have a significantly greater chance of treating these patients.”

Concerning the congress he noted, “Experts and faculty members from all across Iran gathered in Mashhad for two days (first and second of Azar - 22 and 23 of November) to discuss the latest approaches and methods for prevention and treatment of pediatric epilepsy. 70 articles on pediatric neurology, neurosurgery, adult neurology and pediatric psychology were submitted to the secretary of the congress, 45 of which were presented in the form of panels.”

Dr. Akhondian continued, “The congress was held on Azar 1 and 2 in Shahid Chamran Hall of Ghaem Hospital, with 150 participants including pediatric neurology experts and practitioners from around Iran, faculty members of Pediatrics Department, and pediatricians from various cities of the 3 Khorasan provinces, as well as residents, nurses, and students of the university.”