The Department of Neurology at Military Hospital 175 ranks epilepsy patients as the second most common group, following only strokes. Despite its prevalence in the population, there remains a lack of understanding and misconceptions surrounding epilepsy. MSc. Hoang Tien Trong Nghia, Head of the Department of Neurology, emphasizes the need for awareness and education about this chronic disease to combat these misunderstandings.
In Vietnam, statistics on the number of people affected by epilepsy are currently unavailable. At Military Hospital 175, stroke patients account for approximately 50% of cases, while epilepsy makes up around 20-30%. The variety of symptoms associated with epilepsy can make diagnosis and treatment challenging due to factors such as genetics, metabolic disorders, and brain damage.
Epileptic symptoms can vary depending on which part of the brain is affected. Patients may experience spasticity, convulsions, or behavioral disorders. Some seizures may be difficult to describe or recognize, leading to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. To ensure accurate diagnosis and successful treatment, specialized clinical tests and equipment at units like the Clinical Neurophysiology Unit are essential.
Medication is a common treatment method for epilepsy; however, around 30% of diagnosed patients do not respond well to drugs. Limited access to anti-epileptic medications in Vietnam poses challenges for patients seeking alternative treatments. To improve outcomes for patients across the country, guidelines have been developed by the Vietnam Anti-Epileptic Association for diagnosing and treating epilepsy.
Training programs are being implemented at all levels of healthcare to educate providers on identifying and managing epileptic cases effectively. For cases that do not respond well to medication or require advanced treatments like surgery or neurostimulation therapy, referral to specialized centers is recommended
