Epilepsy And Health Insurance

Understanding the Importance of Health Insurance for Epilepsy

Epilepsy – you might have heard the term, right? After watching Janhvi Kapoor in 'Bawaal', epilepsy became a commonly discussed topic in many Indian households. You might have seen her experiencing shivers just after her marriage, which is exactly what the symptoms of epilepsy can look like. It can be very scary to experience fits or brain seizures. It is a condition characterized by irregular electrical activity in the brain. The treatment cost for epilepsy can go up to INR 20-25 Lakhs, but you can safeguard yourself from these expenses with good health insurance coverage.

In this blog, you will learn more about the disease, its treatment, and health insurance that covers epilepsy. Read on.

What Is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can result in sudden seizures. However, it doesn't mean that seizures occur all the time. The severity, frequency, and type of seizures can vary greatly among individuals with epilepsy. It can be a genetic disorder, inherited from mutated genes of the parents.

It is estimated that around 1.3 crore Indians are living with epilepsy. Sadly, only 30 Lakh of them receive proper treatment. The rest fail to receive adequate treatment due to various barriers like cultural beliefs, lack of awareness, superstitions, poverty, and other socio-financial factors.

Therefore, spreading awareness about epilepsy is crucial. Global Epilepsy Day is celebrated on February 13th each year to raise awareness.

Signs of Epilepsy

If you're wondering what epilepsy looks like, here are some common symptoms:

• Temporary confusion or perplexity
• Loss of consciousness
• Uncontrolled jerking movements of the arms and legs
• Psychic symptoms (e.g., fear, anxiety, déjà vu)

Epilepsy can be caused by various factors, which are detailed below.

Causes of Epilepsy

Epilepsy can be caused by several factors, including:

• Genetic Factors

  Genes play a major role in epilepsy, meaning it can run in the family.

• Severe Brain Injury

  A major accident causing brain injury can increase the risk of epilepsy.

• Brain Conditions

  Conditions like strokes, brain tumors, meningitis, encephalitis, or developmental disorders can cause epilepsy.

• Prenatal Injuries

  If a baby's brain sustains injury during delivery due to infection or lack of oxygen, it can increase the risk of epilepsy later in life.

• Medical Conditions

  Medical conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, or metabolic disorders can trigger epilepsy.

• Idiopathic Epilepsy

  Sometimes, excessive stress and tension can also cause seizures. When the reason for seizures is unknown, it is termed idiopathic epilepsy.

How Is Epilepsy Diagnosed?

While there isn't one specific test for epilepsy, it can be diagnosed through expert evaluation. Doctors typically follow these procedures before starting treatment:

• Full Medical History

  Your doctor will take a detailed medical history, including symptoms, past seizures, family history, and other relevant medical conditions.

• Physical Examination

  A complete physical examination will be performed to check for any signs of neurological issues or underlying conditions.

• Tests

  Tests like an electroencephalogram (EEG), which measures electrical activity in the brain, can help detect abnormal brain waves. MRI and CT scans are also helpful.

• Other Evaluation

  Depending on symptoms and medical history, doctors may suggest additional evaluations or consultations with specialists, such as neurologists.

How to Treat Epilepsy?

Epilepsy treatment involves a combination of medication, therapies, and lifestyle improvements. Details are provided below:

• Medication

  Antiseizure medications, also known as antiepileptic drugs, are the primary treatment. They work by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain and reducing seizure severity.

• Lifestyle Improvement

  Lifestyle changes can help manage seizures. These include:

  • Getting enough sleep
  • Avoiding triggers like stress and flashing lights
  • Avoiding alcohol and tobacco consumption
  • Maintaining a healthy and, if recommended, a ketogenic diet
  • Effectively managing stress
  • Limiting caffeine and sugar intake

• Surgery

  In surgical procedures, doctors remove or disconnect the area of the brain where seizures originate. However, surgery is typically a last resort.

• Other Therapies

  These therapies may include biofeedback, relaxation techniques, acupuncture, or herbal supplements. Always discuss any therapy or supplement with your healthcare provider before starting.

Secure Your Health with Insurance

These treatments can be expensive and quickly deplete your savings. However, health insurance can provide crucial financial protection. You can purchase health insurance that covers genetic problems, psychological disorders, and mental illnesses.

While a health insurance plan might not explicitly cover epilepsy, it can provide coverage for underlying medical conditions associated with it. Therefore, if there is a history of epilepsy in your family, it is crucial to check the policy documents before buying any health insurance policy.

Living with Epilepsy: Don't Lose Hope!

If diagnosed with epilepsy, do not lose heart. You can live a full and healthy life, engaging in normal activities. However, be cautious and consider health insurance for genetic disorders. Also, inform your loved ones about your condition so they are aware and know how to act if seizures occur. Complete awareness and comprehension of the illness can empower you to take full control of your life.

To learn more about health insurance that covers epilepsy, reach out to our expert insurance advisors at PolicyX.