Dr Ruth Owusu AntwiE
Reported cases of epilepsy are increasing in the Ashanti Region, health authorities have said.
Over 2,600 cases of the neurological disorder, marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness, or convulsions, associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain were recorded across the region last year, up from 1,498 in 2017.
Head of Psychiatry at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Dr. Ruth Owusu Antwi, who spoke at an event to mark World Epilepsy Day, revealed that until public attitude towards epilepsy changes, the number of victims would continue to rise.
This, she further explained, is due to the stigma attached to epilepsy. She said stigmatising people with the health condition prevents them from seeking proper healthcare.
She, thus, urged families with relative suffering from the health condition to seek medical care for their members despite the stigma.
Dr. Antwi stated that the traditional way of inserting spoons in the mouths of people with seizure to calm them or help bring relief is wrong.
“The best thing to do is to remove every sharp object from the side of the individual and check whether the airway is free or they are breathing and then put them on their side after the seizure,” she advised.
Poor antenatal care is among factors identified by authorities for the rising trend of epilepsy, especially among children.
Last year, psychiatric nurses were trained and deployed into communities to help Ghana’s fight against the disease, but reducing the treatment gap and disease burden remain a challenge in the region.
Regional Mental Health Co-ordinator, Faustina Nuarko, wants government and individuals to commit more resources for public education.
“We have to improve education on epilepsy, especially to make pregnant women aware and seek antenatal care often,” he added.
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri