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CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · International Journal of Epilepsy 2023; 09(01/02): 033-036
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1789251
Letter to the Editor

Misconceptions in Epilepsy and its Differentiation from Psychogenic Nonepileptic Events in Pakistan: The Dilemma in Underdeveloped Regions

Muhammad Arsalan Bashir 
1   Medicine Department, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
,
Aashar Khalid 
2   Department of Medicine, Federal Medical and Dental College, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Abstract

Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder characterized by unpredictable seizures, significantly impacting emotional well-being and interpersonal relationships. Despite being a prevalent condition, pervasive myths and misconceptions persist, leading to stigma and societal discrimination. Disparities in epilepsy prevalence exist between affluent and impoverished nations, with higher rates observed in economically disadvantaged regions. In Pakistan, epilepsy affects over 2 million individuals, predominantly in rural areas, yet accurate diagnosis and treatment remain challenging due to limited access to specialized health care facilities and diagnostic tools like video electroencephalogram. Compounding this issue is the misdiagnosis of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) as epilepsy, resulting in inappropriate treatments and increased health care costs. Addressing these challenges necessitates a multifaceted approach, including awareness campaigns to dispel myths, improving access to diagnostic tools and specialized care, enhancing health care provider training, and integrating epilepsy management into primary health systems. Collaboration between stakeholders, along with increased research efforts, is vital to ensure equitable access to diagnosis and treatment for epilepsy and PNES, irrespective of geographical location or socioeconomic status.

Keywords

epilepsy - misdiagnosis - Pakistan - psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES)

Authors' Contributions

A.K.: Made substantial contributions to the conception and design of the study, and the drafting and revising of the manuscript.


M.A.B.: Made substantial contributions to the design and implementation of the research, and the critical revision of the manuscript.




Publication History

Article published online:
12 September 2024

© 2024. Indian Epilepsy Society. This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

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