Get Well Soon: Regular follow-up essential to keep SLE under control

Lupus also known as Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is an inflammatory disease caused when the body’s immunity attacks its own tissues. It is a very serious illness and it affects children as well, but the worst affected are women in the reproductive age group. When diagnosed early, it can be controlled and patients can lead a fruitful life without much interference. Since a number of organs are involved, doctors need to refer them to specialists for timely treatment. I would advise regular follow up to keep it under control. - Dr S Rajeswari, Director, Institute of Rheumatology, RGGGH.

Tests are usually performed to support the diagnosis (EEG) to know which type of epilepsy one is dealing with (EEG/video-EEG) and to detect its underlying cause (MRI, other brain scans and other tests). The point here is that all these tests can be normal in patients with epilepsy, thus ruling out some of the more sinister causes. - Dr Lakshminarayanan K, Consultant Epileptologist and Paediatric Neurologist, Fortis Malar Hospital.