An Unfortunate Death of a PhD Scholar at University of Hyderabad due to Epileptic Seizure
News Desk, Neucrad Health India July 28, 2019
In an unfortunate turn of event, a 29-year old PhD Scholar of University of Hyderabad (UoH) was found dead in her hostel washroom on Monday, 23rd July 2019. The deceased, Dipika Mahapatra was a notable scholar at the Department of Dalit and Adivasi Studies and Translation. Other students of Ladies Hostel-1 in the North Campus noticed her in an unconscious state at the floor of the washroom on Monday morning at around 8 am.
According to the reports from other media coverage, Dipika was suffering from a neurological disorder- epilepsy, and most probably suffered an epileptic seizure in the washroom. She was also under the medication for this ailment.
Students of the University of Hyderabad have asked the University Authorities to grant compensation to Dipika’s family since they hail from an economically challenged background, and she was the only earning member of the family. The University decided to offer her family a compensation of Rs 5 lakh keeping in mind their fragile financial state.
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is the disorder of the central nervous system (CNS), where the brain activity of the patient becomes impaired. It can lead to recurrent seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Victims show unusual behaviour, and may sometimes experience loss of awareness during the attack. The symptoms and duration of epileptic seizure vary widely among patients. While some of them may just stare blankly for a few seconds, others may repeatedly twitch their arms or legs during the condition. Neurologists suggest taking regular medicine can keep epilepsy under control in the majority of patients. Some children may also outgrow this neurological disorder as they grow up.
What are the symptoms of epilepsy?
As already stated, signs and symptoms of epilepsy vary widely in patients. Detailed below are some of the common conditions experienced by the majority of victims.
- Showing convulsion without any fever
- Experiencing blackout for a few seconds, or complaining of confused memory
- Fainting and losing bowel and bladder control
- Showing extreme tiredness
- Body becoming stiff for no apparent reasons
- Suddenly falling to the ground
- Being unresponsive to instructions for a short duration
- Blinking or chewing without any apparent stimuli
- The patient can become fearful of an unknown cause and may show panic in his/her behaviour
- Uncontrolled jerking of arms and legs.
What are the causes behind the development of epilepsy?
Doctors and scientists have not been able to define the exact cause of epilepsy in half of the patients. The following conditions have shown a link with the development of this neurological disorder in the other half.
Genetic Reason
In some patients, there is a history of epilepsy among the family members and close blood relatives. It suggests that genetics might play a role in causing epilepsy.
Brain Injury
Traumatic injury in the brain due to fatal accidents can also be the cause of epilepsy. Sometimes, prenatal brain damage due to deficiency of oxygen or infection in expecting mother may also lead to this neurological disorder.
Tumours and Strokes
Brain tumours or strokes in the recent past is a common cause of epilepsy in adults above 35 age. Certain infectious diseases like meningitis, AIDS and viral encephalitis also play a role in the development of the disease.
This was a brief account on epilepsy. If any of your close acquittances suffer from an epileptic seizure, then do not panic. Immediately rush him/her to the hospital for further diagnosis and treatment.
