TIMESINDONESIA, JAKARTA – In recognition of Purple Day, an international initiative aimed at increasing epilepsy awareness, Siloam Hospitals Bali is urging the public to better understand the management of epilepsy and dispel associated negative stigmas. Dr. I Gusti Ayu Made Riantarini, a neurology specialist at Siloam Hospitals, emphasized the importance of public knowledge in aiding effective treatment and encouraging openness in families dealing with epilepsy.
Originating in Canada on March 26, 2008, Purple Day has grown into a global campaign, now observed in 85 countries. During a media gathering, Siloam Hospitals highlighted the necessity of dispelling myths surrounding epilepsy treatment to improve patient community life quality.
Epilepsy, characterized by abnormal nerve cell activity in the brain leading to seizures and temporary behavioral changes, affects approximately 65 million people worldwide. Dr. Riantarini noted that while genetics or brain injuries like trauma or strokes can cause epilepsy, the exact cause remains unknown in 50% of cases.
Patient visits for epilepsy at Siloam Hospital Bali have shown a significant increase, with numbers growing from 442 in 2008 to 3,510 in 2023. Dr. Dewa Putu Wisnu Wardhana, a neurosurgery specialist at the hospital, discussed the use of Electroencephalography (EEG) and MRI scans to diagnose epilepsy and identify its causes.
Treatment typically involves medication tailored to the individual's seizure type, age, sex, and metabolic condition, often starting with a single low-dose drug taken regularly. Dr. Made Agus Mahendra Inggas, a neurosurgeon at Siloam, introduced advanced treatments like Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) and Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), approved by the U.S. FDA for managing drug-resistant epilepsy.
Siloam Hospitals Bali is renowned for its expertise in neurological and neurosurgical care, particularly in epilepsy treatment. The hospital's commitment to advanced therapeutic approaches has been life-changing for patients like NKSD, a 15-year-old girl from Gianyar, who has shown significant improvement post-operation.
Siloam’s efforts in epilepsy management and public education aim to improve understanding, eliminate stigma, and enhance the quality of life for those affected by this condition.
Dr. Riantarini and Dr. Wardhana, along with their colleagues at Siloam Hospitals Bali, have dedicated their careers to the study and treatment of epilepsy, offering hope to patients through both traditional and innovative methods. Their work emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and the effectiveness of personalized treatment plans.
The increase in patient visits for epilepsy at Siloam Hospitals Bali is a testament to the trust and confidence the community has in their medical expertise. This trust is built on the hospital's continuous efforts to advance medical knowledge and technology in neurology and neurosurgery.
The hospital's utilization of advanced diagnostic tools like EEG and MRI scans plays a crucial role in accurately identifying the causes of epilepsy, thereby facilitating more effective treatment plans. These tools help in mapping out the brain's activity and structure, enabling doctors to pinpoint areas of concern and tailor their approach to each patient's unique condition.
In the realm of treatment, Siloam Hospitals Bali is at the forefront of adopting cutting-edge therapies such as VNS and DBS. These therapies represent a significant advancement in epilepsy care, especially for patients who do not respond to conventional medication. VNS therapy, for example, involves a device that sends mild electrical pulses to the brain via the vagus nerve, potentially reducing seizure frequency and severity.
DBS therapy, meanwhile, involves implanting a device that sends electrical signals to specific parts of the brain to control seizures. This surgical intervention, although more complex, offers a new lease on life for patients with severe epilepsy that cannot be managed with medication alone.
The success stories from Siloam Hospitals Bali, such as that of NKSD, highlight the positive impact of these advanced treatments. Patients who once faced frequent and debilitating seizures now have the opportunity for a more stable and fulfilling life, thanks to the dedicated care and expertise of the hospital's medical team. (*)
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| Editor | : Khodijah Siti |
| Publisher | : Ahmad Rizki Mubarok |
