Expert says Lack Of Oxygen At Birth Can Cause Epilepsy

A Professor of Neurology, in University of Nigeria Nsukka, Dr. Ikenna Onwuekwe, has urged physicians and new mothers to pay good attention to babies during childbirth, noting that poor oxygen supply to the brain of a newborn can cause epilepsy.

Onwuekwe made this call on Wednesday in an interview with newsmen. he further stated that unborn babies whose mothers are infected with rubella – a contagious viral infection can also be exposed to the neurological disorder, adding that babies can be exposed to risk factors while in the womb.

Onwuekwe explained that, “The causes of epilepsy in children can be divided into perinatal and non-perinatal causes. Perinatal causes include viral intrauterine infections such as rubella among others.”

“Prolonged labour or complications around birth causing impaired oxygen or blood supply to the brain with consequent brain damage can lead to epilepsy.”

“Neurological infections after birth such as meningitis may also lead to epilepsy in children.”

He, however, clarified that there is a difference between epilepsy and isolated seizures which can occur from multiple causes.

Onwuekwe also noted that epilepsy can be treated successfully with medications and if necessary, a surgical procedure.

He said that children with epilepsy can develop normally and continue their education, while adults with the condition can be responsible members of family and society.

“social support always helps people with epilepsy. It is imperative to continue public health education to remove the stigma and eliminate discrimination surrounding epilepsy.”

He added that, “False teachings such as it being a curse or due to evil spirits or being untreatable must be refuted vigorously. A lot of ignorance about epilepsy has been known since the history of man. It is not infectious and cannot be spread by having sex. Patients with the condition can get married and have normal children in most cases,”