Urdu information packs on epilepsy are to be distributed in Bradford after research in the city suggested language difficulties make it hard for Asian patients to speak to their GP about the neurological condition.

A study of patients registered with GP surgeries in Bradford has revealed that the apparent prevalence of epilepsy among the South Asian population is much lower than in the non-Asian population.

It is believed this is because Asian patients are less likely to seek help than the non-Asian population, because they find it difficult to make themselves understood.

Now a project is being led by Yeadon-based charity Epilepsy Action to provide up-to-date information in Urdu.

The charity is working with the National Society for Epilepsy and the Epilepsy Specialist Nurse Association to produce the information packs, to help epilepsy professionals discuss the condition with patients.

A spokesman for Epilepsy Action said: "Research has shown that there are many myths and misconceptions attached to epilepsy in all communities but language barriers can make it difficult for Asian patients to speak to their GP about their condition.

"The Urdu information pack will enable professionals to open up discussion with their Urdu-speaking patients about their condition and educate people about the facts of epilepsy."

Consultant neurologist Dr Nigel Hakin, of Bradford Epilepsy Service, who carried out the research by studying the patient records of nearly every GP surgery in the district, said he welcomed the information packs.

He said the results of the on-going audit showed that the apparent prevalence of epilepsy in the Asian population was half that of the white population. "So we asked why should there be fewer Asian people than white people?" he said.

Dr Hakin added there was a combination of reasons, including selective immigration, where people living in Pakistan with epilepsy were less likely to come to Bradford, and the fact that many Asian patients are just unable to communicate with doctors and their diagnosis is being missed.

He also said it was because of the stigma attacked to epilepsy. "It is akin to evil spirits," he said, "which stops people coming forward.

"There is no evidence that epilepsy has a different prevalence in different races."

The information packs, which are in production, will be backed up with audio tapes. It is intended the project will lead to the production of information packs in other languages such as Punjabi and Gujarati.