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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Nearly 1% of Filipinos suffer from epilepsy

Nearly 1% of Filipinos suffer from epilepsy

Published Sep 7, 2023 01:45 am
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The Department of Health (DOH) discussed epilepsy and its management in children in a virtual forum held on Sept. 6.

Epilepsy is the world's second-most challenging neurological condition, identified by repeated seizures.

According to Dr. Joyce Macasaet-Smith, vice president of external affairs for the Philippine League of Epilepsy, “epilepsy is the disease associated with spontaneously occurring seizures.”

"So, meaning seizure is the event, ito ‘yung sintomas na nakikita natin (So, the seizure is the event, it’s the symptoms that we observe)," Macasaet-Smith said.

Based on the data from the Nutritionist-Dietitians Association of the Philippines, in 2016, there were 45.9 million active epilepsy cases globally, with a prevalence of around 621.5 cases per 100,000 population.

In the Philippines, the prevalence is between 330 and 380 cases per 100,000 people, affecting 0.9 percent of the population.

Macasaet-Smith noted that epilepsy has diverse causes, including brain tumors, genetic conditions, traumatic brain injuries, strokes, central nervous system (CNS) infections, such as meningitis, or congenital malformations.

Medical ketogenic diet

She also pointed out the significance of the Medical Ketogenic Diet (MKD) in managing epilepsy in children, allowing nutritionist dietitians to work closely with medical professionals for effective treatment.

 In observance of National Epilepsy Awareness Week, Nutritionist-Dietitians Association of the Philippines (NDAP) president Ma. Eloisa E. Villaraza said with the existence of the classic ketogenic diet for more than 100 years, registered nutritionist dietitians can now work effectively with pediatric neurologists, other allied professionals, and important family members of patients in the implementation of medical nutrition therapy for epilepsy in children.

According to Villaraza, pediatric neurologists, dietitians, and nurses met to discuss the success of the ketogenic diet, with 10 to 15 percent of patients becoming seizure-free and more than half experiencing a significant reduction in seizures, during the 7th Global Symposium webinar.

 The history of MKD dates back to 1921, and guidelines for its use in children were established in 2012. Evidence-based studies support its effectiveness in epilepsy treatment, Villaraza added.

"Ang medical ketogenic diet ay talagang theraputic diet para sa epilepsy in children at ito naman ang sinimulan nito so kailangan pag kumonsulta kayo sa professional, sa isang pediatric neurologist at ang registered nutritionist dietitian, sila po ay nagtutulungan upang magabayan ang mga pasyente sa proper meal and the planning as well (The medical ketogenic diet is indeed a therapeutic diet for epilepsy in children, and this is where it all began. It's essential to consult with professionals, including a pediatric neurologist and a registered nutritionist dietitian. They collaborate to guide patients in proper meal planning)," she explained.

Villaraza also emphasized that MKD therapy is distinct from popular weight loss diets, tailored specifically for childhood epilepsy, requiring professional guidance from pediatric neurologists and registered nutritionist dietitians.

Seeking professional advice is crucial to ensuring the ketogenic diet's success in children with epilepsy, ultimately contributing to a better quality of life, she said. (Zekinah Elize Espina)

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