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Epilepsy Treatment and Care Pune
Expert epilepsy diagnosis and treatment in Pune. Advanced medication and therapy for seizure control and better living.
Overview
Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder characterized by recurring, unprovoked seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Think of your brain as an electrical system – when the normal electrical signals become disrupted or overly intense, they can trigger a seizure. While anyone can experience a single seizure due to various factors like fever or low blood sugar, epilepsy is diagnosed when a person has two or more unprovoked seizures occurring at least 24 hours apart.
The condition affects people of all ages, though it’s most commonly diagnosed in children and older adults. What makes epilepsy particularly complex is its diverse nature – no two cases are exactly alike, and the experience varies significantly from person to person. This diversity makes personalized care and treatment essential for optimal outcomes.
Symptoms
Epilepsy symptoms depend largely on the type of seizure and which part of the brain is affected.
Generalized seizures affect the entire brain and typically include:
- Complete loss of consciousness
- Stiffening of the body followed by jerking movements
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Tongue biting
- Confusion after the seizure ends
Focal seizures involve only a specific part of the brain and may cause:
- Unusual sensations like tingling or strange smells
- Sudden emotional changes
- Repetitive movements like lip smacking or hand rubbing
- Brief periods of staring or unresponsiveness
- Memory gaps without apparent loss of consciousness
Most seizures last between one to three minutes. However, if a seizure continues for more than five minutes, it becomes a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
Causes
Epilepsy causes can be broadly categorized into several groups:
Unknown causes account for approximately 60% of all epilepsy cases, making it the most common category. When doctors cannot identify a specific cause, the condition is termed idiopathic epilepsy.
Brain injuries represent another significant category of reasons for epilepsy, including:
- Traumatic head injuries from accidents or sports
- Stroke or other vascular problems
- Brain infections such as meningitis or encephalitis
- Brain tumors or cysts
- Oxygen deprivation during birth
Genetic factors play a role in some cases, though purely hereditary epilepsy is relatively uncommon. More often, genetic predisposition combines with other factors to trigger the condition.
Metabolic disorders can also lead to epilepsy. For example, GLUT-1 deficiency syndrome affects how glucose reaches the brain, potentially causing seizures when the brain lacks adequate energy.
Risk Factors
Several epilepsy risk factors increase the likelihood of developing the condition:
Age plays a significant role, with children under two years and adults over 65 facing higher risks. Family history of epilepsy also increases susceptibility, though most people with epilepsy do not have affected relatives.
Other important risk factors include previous head injuries, stroke, developmental disorders like autism or ADHD, and certain infections that affect the brain. Additionally, factors like chronic sleep deprivation, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor overall health can contribute to epilepsy development.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing epilepsy requires a comprehensive approach combining multiple assessment methods. The process typically begins with a detailed medical history and eyewitness accounts of seizure episodes, as these provide crucial information about seizure characteristics.
An electroencephalogram (EEG) measures brain electrical activity and can detect abnormal patterns associated with epilepsy. However, it’s important to note that a normal EEG doesn’t rule out epilepsy, as abnormal activity may not occur during the test period.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) helps identify structural brain abnormalities that might cause seizures. Additional tests may include blood work to check for metabolic issues, genetic testing for specific syndromes, or occasionally, lumbar puncture for suspected infections.
Types
Types of epilepsy are classified based on how seizures begin and spread throughout the brain:
Generalized epilepsy involves seizures that affect widespread brain areas from the start. This category includes several subtypes:
- Absence seizures cause brief lapses in awareness, often mistaken for daydreaming
- Myoclonic seizures produce sudden, brief muscle jerks
- Tonic-clonic seizures involve body stiffening followed by rhythmic jerking
- Atonic seizures cause sudden loss of muscle tone, leading to falls
Focal epilepsy originates in specific brain regions, such as the temporal or frontal lobes. These seizures may remain localized or spread to other brain areas.
Combined generalized and focal epilepsy affects individuals who experience both seizure types, while unknown onset epilepsy describes cases where seizure origin cannot be determined.
Treatment
- Modern epilepsy treatment focuses on controlling seizures while minimizing side effects and maintaining quality of life. Epilepsy treatments are highly individualized based on seizure type, frequency, patient age, and lifestyle factors.
- Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) serve as the primary treatment approach. Doctors typically start with monotherapy – using a single medication at the lowest effective dose. If one drug proves insufficient, they may try different medications or combine multiple drugs in what’s called polytherapy.
- Dietary therapies can be remarkably effective for certain types of epilepsy. The ketogenic diet, which is high in fats and very low in carbohydrates, helps control seizures in some individuals, particularly those with metabolic epilepsies like GLUT-1 deficiency.
- Surgical options become relevant for drug-resistant epilepsy. Procedures may involve removing the brain tissue causing seizures or implanting devices that provide nerve stimulation.
Complications
Epilepsy can lead to various complications that extend beyond the seizures themselves.
Physical injuries during seizures pose ongoing risks, including falls, burns, drowning, or motor vehicle accidents. This is why safety planning becomes crucial for individuals with epilepsy.
Status epilepticus – a seizure lasting more than five minutes or repeated seizures without recovery – represents a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention. Cognitive and psychological complications may also develop, including memory problems, depression, and anxiety disorders.
Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) is a rare but serious concern, particularly for individuals with frequent, uncontrolled seizures. While uncommon, awareness of this risk emphasizes the importance of optimal seizure control.
Prevention
While not all epilepsy can be prevented, several strategies can reduce risk. Head injury prevention through helmet use during sports, proper seatbelt usage, and fall prevention measures helps protect against trauma-related epilepsy.
Managing cardiovascular risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes reduces stroke risk, which can lead to epilepsy. Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, maintaining good sleep habits, and avoiding illegal drugs also help prevent seizure development.
Living With Epilepsy
Successfully living with epilepsy involves developing comprehensive management strategies that extend beyond medication. Medication adherence remains crucial – taking prescribed drugs consistently and as directed provides the best chance for seizure control.
Identifying and avoiding personal seizure triggers helps many individuals reduce seizure frequency. Common triggers include sleep deprivation, stress, flashing lights, certain foods, or hormonal changes.
Education plays a vital role in epilepsy management. Family members, friends, coworkers, and caregivers should understand basic seizure first aid and know when to seek emergency help. Creating a supportive environment reduces anxiety and improves overall quality of life.
Lifestyle modifications such as maintaining regular sleep schedules, managing stress through relaxation techniques, eating balanced meals, and engaging in appropriate exercise contribute to better seizure control and general well-being.
Key Takeaways
- Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition causing recurrent seizures due to abnormal brain electrical activity
- Epilepsy symptoms vary widely from dramatic convulsions to subtle behavioral changes depending on seizure type
- What causes epilepsy remains unknown in 60% of cases, though brain injuries, genetics, and infections can contribute
- Modern epilepsy treatments including medications, dietary therapy, and surgery provide excellent seizure control
- Early diagnosis by an epilepsy specialist and personalized treatment planning are crucial for optimal outcomes
- At Sancheti Hospital, our dedicated epilepsy specialists provide comprehensive care combining advanced diagnostics with personalized treatment approaches to help patients achieve the best possible quality of life
Meet Our Neurology Specialists
Dr. Vishal Rokade
Neuro Surgeon
Dr. Nilesh Bhandari
Neuro Physician
Dr. Amol Mahajani
Neuro Physician
Dr. Poornima Gauri
Neurology
Dr. Chetna Patil
Neurologist
Dr. Sandeep Jawale
HOD of the Sancheti Neurosurgery Department
Dr. Akshay Patil
Consultant ICU Incharge, Physician and Diabetologist
Dr. Sarang Rote
NeurologyPatient Stories & Experiences
The pain in my left knee left me feeling helpless for years. After my treatment here, I can finally say I'm pain-free.
Vinita Singh
The nerves were swollen, and the body went numb. But thanks to Sancheti Hospital, I got a second life!
Parvati
I finally could walk again, a relief I've only felt after the hip pain surgery. I thank the doctors at Sancheti Hospital for their help.
Balaji Kharat
I'm a police officer, and I'm extremely thankful to Sancheti Hospital for treating my fracture without surgery.
Shantilal
My life has completely changed after the knee replacement surgery at Sancheti Hospital. It's like I can finally live again!
Kalpana Lepcha
The knee pain I've carried for years finally went away with the help of Sancheti Hospital.
Karuna
I can't believe that I get to finally live a normal and happy life, all thanks to the knee surgery I had at Sancheti Hospital.
Kishore Bhosle
Frequently Asked Questions
Can epilepsy be completely cured?
While many people achieve excellent seizure control with treatment, epilepsy is generally considered a chronic condition requiring ongoing management. Some individuals may experience long periods without seizures, but complete cure is uncommon.
Are all seizures obvious and dramatic?
No. Many seizures, particularly focal seizures, can be subtle and may involve only brief confusion, unusual sensations, or minor behavioral changes without dramatic convulsions.
Is epilepsy always inherited?
While some forms of epilepsy have genetic components, most cases result from acquired brain injuries or unknown causes rather than direct inheritance from parents.
What should someone do if they witness a seizure?
Keep the person safe from injury, don’t restrain them, turn them on their side to keep airways clear, time the seizure, and call emergency services if it lasts more than five minutes or if the person is injured.
