Multan: Modern scientific research and availability of new drugs help in better management of epilepsy patients, said Epilepsy Foundation Pakistan President and noted neurophysician of the country Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui.

Addressing the interactive scientific sessions on 'the smart transition in epilepsy management' and 'breakthrough in neuropathic pain' arranged by Helix Pharma at Ramada Multan, she said new drugs are now available in Pakistan for epilepsy and they are better and superior in patient management. Talking about the need for new drugs for the same condition, she said it is because with all advances in medical science we still do not have the ideal medicine and one medicine is not suitable for all. She said she has already discussed the Bravo study she did on real life experience in Pakistan on briveracetam and the ongoing study on eslicarbamazine for focal onset seizures, showing promise for better management of epilepsy from four year old to adults.

She said these medicines have proven their cost effectiveness and better disease control.

Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui talked about the issue of pain control. She said the commonest type of pain in today's population is neuropathic pain: pain that is caused by nerve damage. She said Pakistan is now sadly becoming world number one in prevalence of diabetes and 50 percent of diabetics suffer from neuropathies due to nerve damage. She said these pains are devastating with burning hands and feet, feeling of pins and needles, and electric shock like horrifying sensation. She said the new medicines are now available to ease these sufferings. She stressed on selecting the right medicine dose for the right patient.

The interactive sessions were attended by Multan's leading professors, orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, neurosurgeons, and young doctors from Nishtar Medical College and CMH.