Epilepsy affects nearly 10 in 1000 individuals in India, yet millions remain undiagnosed because of stigma, misinterpretation of seizures, and limited access to specialized care. As India observed National Epilepsy Day on November 17, experts highlighted that the challenge is as much social as it is medical, with long-standing myths still causing delays in diagnosis and avoidable disability. Rough estimates suggest that more than 10 to 12 million people in India have epilepsy, accounting for almost one-sixth of the global burden.
Underreporting continues, especially in rural areas where seizures are often misunderstood as behavioral or psychological issues. Experts emphasize that early evaluation can significantly improve long-term outcomes, although many patients reach specialists several years after their first seizure. The treatment gap remains high in low- and middle-income…
