Are Cochlear implants done for all age groups?
Yes, Cochlear implants can be done for all age groups. For kids, implants should be done within 1 or 2 years of age with good post-operative care and therapy to achieve normal speech and hearing results.
What are the components of a cochlear implant?
One of the devices that can be implanted surgically and another one is a sound processor which is connected to the inner device via magnet. Cochlear Implant device perform the function of cochlea by converting sound signals into Electical signals ( 50,000- 80,000 signals per second).
What are Hearing implants? Who needs them?
Hearing Implants are cochlear implants / bone conduction Implants, vibrant sound bridge or active middle ear implants and passive middle ear Implants. Based on the hearing of the patient treatment can be planned with a specific implantable solution.
What is Hearing loss?
It is the inability to hear partially or completely of one ear or both ears. Hearing loss can occur in children, adults and geriatric populations. Visit nearby ENT Hospital in Bangalore to avail best-in-class treatments and facilities.
How easy is it to get the right qualified medical expertise and the related support staff to treat and manage the patients?
The treatment gap in epilepsy in India ranges from 22% in the urban setting to as high as 90% in villages. The treatment gap has 2 components- People unable to access healthcare services and People who do not adhere to appropriate medical therapy.
One million Indians have medically refractory seizures. Approximately 5 -6 lakh people are candidates for epilepsy surgery in India. Still... Just about 500-600 epilepsy surgeries per year are performed.
Are there any new clinical trials going on for epilepsy?
There are several medical and surgical trials going on for epilepsy treatment in the Western countries. Few of them are enlisted here: XEN1101 As Adjunctive Therapy In Focal-Onset Epilepsy Stereotactic Laser Ablation For Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Perampanel Study For Infants With Epilepsy Cannabidiol As An Add-On Therapy In Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Focused Ultrasound For Treatment Of Epilepsy
Could you specify the new drugs and therapy options accessible in the country?
The pharmacological armamentarium against epilepsy has expanded considerably over the last three decades, and currently includes over 30 different antiseizure medications. The new medications which have been added over the past decade by the FDA include Brivaracetam (Levetiracetam derivative), Perampanel (AMPA antagonist), Cenobamate (Carbamate derivative), Everolimus (Rapamycin derivative), Fenfluramine (Amphetamine derivative) and Cannabidiol (Cannabinoid). Among these Brivaracetam and Perampanel are available in India.
What is the current scene in the country for Epilepsy in terms of patients and advances in treatment?
At the global level, it is estimated that nearly 70 million people suffer from epilepsy and the prevalence of epilepsy across the globe is estimated to be 5-9 per 1,000 population. There are 12 million people with epilepsy in India, contributing to 1/6th of global burden.
In majority of the people with epilepsy ie 70-80%, the seizures can be well-controlled by giving anti-epileptic drugs. The rest 20-30% have medically refractory epilepsy, in these patients advanced modalities of treatment such as dietary therapy, epilepsy surgery and neuromodulation are the emerging therapeutic options.
How important is Epilepsy from a neurology department perspective?
Epilepsy, the fourth most common neurological disorder, affects people of all ages and can cause unpredictable seizures.
How long will I have to wait for new lungs?
On an average 3-4 months.
