‘… frequent follow-up kuma, baka kunam okay kan. Ngem nu examine daka, adda gayam makitkita nga sabali,’ – Dr. Kub-aron advises epileptic patients to have regular checkups

Tabuk City, Kalinga – As the number of epileptic patients in the province remains high, Kalinga Provincial Hospital (KPH) Child Neurologist Dr. Grael Kub-aron stressed the importance of regular checkups for people with epilepsy. She explained that consistent follow-ups allow doctors to detect subtle changes or early complications that patients may overlook, ensuring timely treatment and better long-term management of the condition.

During the First Epilepsy Camp held on November 22, 2025, at the Kalinga Children’s Conference Hall and Wellness Center – KPH Compound in Bulanao, Dr. Kub-aron emphasized that epilepsy requires continuous monitoring, even among patients who may not feel any symptoms at all.

“Nu haan pay nga diagnosed, mayat nga mapan yo itungtung ti doctors tayo. Pero generally, frequent follow-up kuma kasi baka kunam ket okay kan, ngem nu examine daka ket adda gayam makitkita na nga sabali,” she said.

In an interview with GURU Press Cordillera, Dr. Kub-aron highlighted common seizure triggers such as lack of sufficient sleep and exposure to flashing or strobe lights, which can easily provoke episodes in vulnerable individuals.

She also discussed the various causes of epilepsy, including birth-related brain injuries, infections such as meningitis, brain tumors, and stroke in older patients. She added that early detection and proper management can reduce long-term complications and improve a patient’s overall wellness.

“Ti epilepsy, adu ti gapo na. First, mabalin nga adda abnormality ti brain development. Others, adda met dagijay factors nga nu narigatan ngay nga iyanak diay baby ket maawanan ti oxygen diay brain na. Ken diyay met lang ti importansya na nga dapat maagasan nga ustó dagitoy nga infection iti utek, kas ti meningitis, tapnu maagapan—tapnu bassit kuma ti age-epilepsy in the future,” she added.

Meanwhile, through the First Epilepsy Camp initiative, KPH hopes to raise awareness among patients and families and help them understand the importance of regular checkups, early detection, and proper management—ensuring better care for people with epilepsy in the province.