Epilepsy without proper treatment can cause serious complications. (Source: benhdongkinh.vn) The first national conference on epilepsy was held in Ho Chi Minh City on August 15 to discuss the treatment of the disease in Vietnam and other related issues, attracting over 400 scientists and doctors working in the field.
Reports submitted at the event focused on epilepsy classification in children and adult, causes of the disease, epilepsy treatment without side effects, and advanced methods applying in treating the disease.
How to ensure the right to study for children suffering from epilepsy and the importance of raising public awareness of the disease was also on the table.
Associate Professor Dr Vu Anh Nhi, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Neuroscience Association said epilepsy is the second most common neurological diseases in Vietnam , affecting about 1 percent of the country’s population.
However, understanding about the disease is low among the population, participants said, calling for more educational campaigns on epilepsy.
According to Deputy Minister of Health Le Quang Cuong, Vietnam is home to about 450,000 epileptic patients, and proper treatment and care can keep the disease under control for around 70 percent of the patients, allowing them to lead a normal life.
The Ministry is outlining diagnosing and treatment programmes for patients with epilepsy. The agenda during the conference will contribute to help the ministry build action plans to support epileptic patients in the future.-VNA
