Epilepsy is a disease that occurs in the brain. This condition interferes with a brain cell, especially in its messaging system. However, it is important to emphasize that this disease is considered non-communicable. Until now, it is estimated that there are about 50 million people with epilepsy in the world. Meanwhile, Indonesia dominated 1,5-2,4 million of it back then in 2013, with about 20 percentage epilepsy conditions not cured.
Dr. Fajar Maskuri, as the UGM Neuroscientist of Academic Hospital (RSA), revealed that the rumor about contagious epilepsy was still widely spreading, and it causes people to be reluctant to help the patients. “Neurological disease is not contagious. If we help, it won’t transmit through the spit or skin contact. Help them while they are experiencing recurrent seizures.” Fajar said in the webinar entitled “Be Productive and Reproductive during Pandemic,” held by UGM Academic Hospital Webinar on Wednesday (7/3) as the commemoration of International Epilepsy Day.
Although it is difficult to communicate well, people with epilepsy can recover if they get proper treatment. “A quick response is necessary because the more a patient experiences sudden seizures, the more there are interferences with the nerves. Therefore, it soon needs precise treatment from a neurologist doctor.
There are still some perceptions in the community that people with epilepsy should not marry because they are worried that their offspring will experience a similar disease. “The patients can have children. However, there should be monitors from a neurologist and obstetrician for pregnant women,” he explained.
Dr. Atitya Fitri Khairani, a neurologist doctor from Sardjito Hospital, also conveyed a similar thing. She said that patients with epilepsy should take their medicines regularly. “An excessive electrical charge occurs when they experience seizures. It is non-contagious, but it requires intensive and long-term treatment,” she concluded.
