- What is Epilepsy?
- Health Insurance for Epilepsy
- Treatment for Epilepsy
Understanding the Importance of Health Insurance for Epilepsy
Epilepsy - You might have heard about the term right? After watching Janhvi Kapoor in 'Bawaal', Epilepsy became a commonly discussed topic in many Indian households. You might have seen that she was getting shivers just after her marriage. That is exactly what the symptoms of epilepsy look like. It can be very scary to experience fits or brain seizures. It is a condition characterised by some irregular electrical activities in the brain. The treatment cost of epilepsy can go up to INR 20-25 Lakhs, but you can safeguard yourself from this cost by having good health insurance coverage.
You will get to know more about the disease, its treatment and health insurance that covers epilepsy in this blog. Read along.
What is Epilepsy All About?
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can result in sudden seizures. Although, it doesn't mean that they will get seizures all the time. The severity, frequency, and type of seizures can vary greatly among the people having epilepsy. And, yes it is the genetic disorder. These genetic disorders can be inherited from the muted genes of the parents.
It has been estimated that around 1.3 crore Indians are dealing with epilepsy. The saddening fact is that only 30 Lakh of them get proper treatment. The rest of them fail to receive adequate treatment, unfortunately, due to various barriers like cultural beliefs, lack of awareness, superstitions, poverty, and other socio-financial factors.
Therefore, it becomes very important to spread awareness about epilepsy. The world even celebrates Global Epilepsy Day on 13th February every year, to generate awareness among all.
What Are the Signs of Epilepsy?
This question might be arising in your mind, especially in those who do not know what epilepsy looks like. Some of the symptoms are given below:
- Perplexity, which can be temporary
- Loss of consciousness
- Jerky movements
- Psychic signs
There are several reasons for epilepsy. You can read below to learn more about the causes of epilepsy.
What are the Causes of Epilepsy?
Epilepsy can be caused by so many factors, like:
-
Genetic Factors
Genes play a major role in forming epilepsy. Meaning, it can run in the family. -
Severe Brain Injury
A major accident that causes brain injury can increase the risk of epilepsy. -
Brain Conditions
Some of the conditions like strokes, brain tumours, meningitis, encephalitis, or developmental disorders can cause epilepsy. -
Prenatal Injuries
During the delivery time, if any injury happens to the brain of the baby due to infection or lack of oxygen, it can increase the risk of epilepsy later in life. -
Medical Conditions
Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, or metabolic disorders are some of the medical conditions due to which epilepsy triggers. -
Idiopathic Epilepsy
Sometimes, too much stress and tension can also cause fits. The person getting fits or seizures might not be able to understand the reason, thus it is called idiopathic epilepsy.
How to Get to Know if You Have Epilepsy?
There is no specific test that can tell that you have epilepsy. But it can be diagnosed using expert knowledge. Doctors might follow these procedures before starting with the treatment:
-
Full Medical History
Your doctor will take a detailed medical history according to the symptoms, past seizures, family history and other relevant medical conditions. -
Physical Examination
To check out any signs of neurological issues or any underlying conditions he will perform a complete physical examination of your body. -
Tests
They will recommend a few tests like an electroencephalogram that measures the electrical activity in your brain and can help to detect abnormal brain waves to help them diagnose epilepsy. Other tests like MRI and CT scans are also helpful. -
Other Evaluation
Depending on the symptoms and medical history, doctors suggest some additional evaluation or consultation with specialists, like neurologists.
How to Treat Epilepsy?
Treatment of epilepsy involves a lot of things. Doctors suggest medication or therapies, but you need to improve your lifestyle as well. Have a look below for details:
-
Medication Methods as Suggested by the Doctors
Antiseizure medications are the primary treatment for epilepsy. These drugs are names as antiepileptic drugs. It works by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain and reduces the severity of seizures. -
Lifestyle Improvement
You can manage the seizures by making certain changes in your lifestyle. These measures include:- Getting enough sleep
- Avoid triggers like stress, and flashing lights
- Avoid the consumption of alcohol and tobacco
- Eat a healthy and ketogenic diet
- Manage stress smartly
- Avoid the consumption of caffeine and decrease sugar intake
-
Surgery Method
In a surgical method, doctors remove or disconnect the area of the brain where seizures originate. Although, surgery is the last resort. -
Other Therapies as Suggested by the Doctors
These therapies include biofeedback, relaxation techniques, acupuncture or herbal supplements. But, before taking any therapy or supplements you need to discuss with your healthcare provider or doctor.
Get Insured Before It Gets Too Late!
All these treatments cost a lot and can drain your bank balance dry in no time. But, health insurance can protect you in this situation.You can purchase health insurance that covers genetic problems, psychological disorders, and mental illnesses.
This means that a health insurance plan might not explicitly cover epilepsy, but it will provide coverage for underlying medical conditions of epilepsy. So if there is a history of epilepsy in your family, then you should check the policy documents before buying any health insurance policy.
Do not Lose Your Hope!
If you get to know that epilepsy is your condition, do not lose heart. Live life to the fullest. You can engage in all the activities normally and lead a healthy life. But, be cautious and get health insurance for genetic disorders. Also, inform your loved ones about your condition, as they should be aware of the condition and know how to act at the moment if seizures strike. A complete awareness and comprehension of the illness can make you able to take full control of your life.
To know more about health insurance that covers epilepsy, reach out to our expert insurance advisors at PolicyX.
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Epilepsy And Health Insurance: FAQs
1. Can epilepsy affect my lifestyle?
No, Epilepsy does not affect your lifestyle. You can lead a healthy lifestyle by following some measures, taking precautions and getting insured.
2. How can I support someone having seizures?
You can hold their hand and help them to stay calm. Keep them safe and place something soft under their head. After the seizure is over, give them water to drink.
3. Does a health insurance policy cover epilepsy?
You can get a health insurance plan that covers genetic disorders to get coverage for epilepsy.
4. Is epilepsy a serious disability?
Epilepsy is a disabling, chronic and isolating condition.
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Written By: Simran Saxena
An explorer and a curious person, Simran has worked in the field of insurance for more than 3 years. Travelling and writing are her only passion and hobby. Her main agenda is to transform insurance information into a piece that is easy to understand and seamlessly solves the reader’s query.
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