Epilepsy Treatment in Hyderabad, India
PACE Hospitals is one of the best hospital for Epilepsy treatment in Hyderabad, India, known for its exceptional expertise and commitment to providing the highest level of care to patients with epilepsy. We have dedicated team of neurologists and epileptologists are highly trained and experienced in diagnosing and managing epilepsy, using the latest techniques and technologies to provide personalized and effective treatment plans for people of all ages with epilepsy disease.
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Why to choose us
At PACE Hospitals, patient of all ages can expect the best epilepsy treatment in India with a comprehensive and patient-centered approach. The hospital's state-of-the-art facilities and advanced diagnostic tools enable accurate diagnosis and monitoring of epilepsy, while the team of experts works closely with patients to develop a customized treatment plan that addresses their unique needs and goals.
Treatment options for epilepsy at PACE Hospitals may include medication, dietary changes, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), or surgery, depending on the severity and type of epilepsy. The hospital's surgical team is highly skilled in performing advanced epilepsy surgeries, including deep brain stimulation, resective surgery, laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT), temporal lobectomy, hemispherectomy, corpus callosotomy and functional hemispherectomy, among others.
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Epilepsy diagnosis
Epilepsy disease diagnosis is a challenging task because similar symptoms may be observed in migraine, fainting, and panic attacks. Therefore, correct diagnosis is essential for rational treatment.
Epilepsy diagnosis requires knowing the cause of epilepsy and history of seizures. Accurate epilepsy diagnosis is a multi-step process that involves patient medical history, neurological exams, laboratory tests, brain imaging tests, and other needed tests to know the abnormal patterns of electrical activity in the brain.
The neurologist takes into consideration the following before selecting the appropriate tests intended for nursing diagnosis for epilepsy disease:
- Patient’s clinical history
- Physical and neurologic examination of the patient
- Diagnostic evaluation of epilepsy
🔷 Patient's clinical history
Proper evaluation (identification) is important to differentiate seizure from syncope and pseudo seizure. In the process of diagnosing the epilepsy, the neurologist may ask the following:
- The neurologist may ask about the duration, frequency, aura, and gap between the seizures.
- The neurologist seeks medical history of the patient and the risk factors of the seizure such as withdrawal of alcohol, family history of seizures, central nervous system infection (or) head trauma, and discontinuation of antiepileptic medications should be asked to the patient and their caretakers apart from asking the extent and duration of the unusual sensations (aura) before the occurrence of seizure and typical symptoms of seizure.
- In generalized onset seizures patients who are not able to remember their status during a seizure episode, the neurologist may get the required information of the seizure from the witnesses. Loss of consciousness and some myoclonic jerks’ symptoms of seizure may be seen in other conditions like sudden global brain ischemia (caused by ventricular arrhythmia).
- If anyone is having seizure, it may be helpful to record it on a mobile phone so that it will be easy for the neurologist to diagnose the correct type of epilepsy.
🔷 Physical and neurological examination of the patient
A systematic physical and neurological examination of the patient helps in understanding the cause of the symptoms or any focal deficits.
- Physical examination: It includes checking bitten tongue, eye-opening, urinary incontinence (inability to control urination), loss of consciousness, prolonged confusion and vital signs, such as temperature. Physical examination may provide hints when the seizures are symptomatic, but in the case of idiopathic seizures, it may rarely indicate the cause of the seizure. By understanding the few clinical symptoms, a neurologist can differentiate actual seizures from pseudo seizures that often last for several minutes or more.
- Neurological examination: In this, a neurologist examines testing behavior, mental function, and motor skills.
🔷 Diagnostic evaluation of epilepsy
Diagnostic testing is performed based on the history, symptoms and neurologic examination results. The following diagnostic tests may be performed alone or in combination in epilepsy patients.
- Laboratory testing
- Neuroimaging
- Computed tomography (CT):
- A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
- Magnetoencephalography with electroencephalography (EEG)Functional magnetic resonance imaging
- Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS)
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET scan brain epilepsy)
- Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)
- Electrical conductivity
- Electroencephalography (EEG)
- Electrocardiography (ECG)
- Neuropsychological Assessment
- Other tests
Laboratory testing
Certain blood tests for epilepsy, such as serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum electrolytes, magnesium, calcium, phosphate, glucose, and liver function, may be needed in patients with atypical symptoms.
Neuroimaging tests
These tests are required in patients with new-onset seizures or in patients whose examination results are abnormal. There are few commonly used neuroimaging tests to understand the neuroanatomy of the brain which can point in the direction of epilepsy.
- Computed tomography (CT): CT scan helpful to detect abnormalities of the brain, like cysts and tumors, which may cause seizures. A head CT may be done immediately to know the abnormalities in the brain. Generally, epilepsy CT scan in children having typical febrile seizures is not recommended as their neurological status returns to normal rapidly.
- A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan: MRI is needed when a CT scan shows negative results. Epilepsy MRI scans can give better resolution of brain tumors or cysts.
- Magnetoencephalography with electroencephalography (EEG): It must be done if EEG and magnetic source imaging (MRI) are not clear enough to identify the epileptic foci. It may localize the lesion, avoiding other invasive intraoperative mapping procedures.
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI epilepsy scan): This scan can detect movement, memory, speech areas of the brain. It can provide more precise changes. The patients are generally asked to name the objects during fMRI as it can explain the active regions of the brain.
- Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS): It can detect the functioning of different brain parts. It does not show the complete part of the brain but focuses only on the required part of the brain.
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET scan brain epilepsy): It works by injecting a small amount of radioactive material into the arm of the patient through a vein, a blood sample is drawn from the other arm, which helps in recording or revealing the changes in the brain.
- Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT): It is also called as ictal SPECT (SPECT scan epilepsy), and can detect changes in blood flow, transmission between the brain cells, and cell metabolism during a seizure.
Electrical conductivity
- Electroencephalography (EEG): Abnormal electrical activity in the brain can be detected using a painless, safe procedure called EEG. It is essential and helps diagnose the type of seizure and the origin of the seizure. In the case of infrequent seizures, EEG is less likely to detect abnormalities. Abnormal discharges are more likely to occur in people without sleep. Hence, EEG is generally done in people deprived of sleep for 18 to 24 hours. Even if the EEG and brain scan findings are normal, the patient may still be epileptic. However, abnormal findings can help classify the type of epilepsy.
- Electrocardiography (ECG): Abnormal heart rhythm is detected using ECG. Oxygen supply to the brain is decreased because of abnormal heart rhythm, and people may experience loss of consciousness or a seizure symptom.
Neuropsychological Assessment
Some people with epilepsy disease suffer from memory problems or other cognitive (thinking)difficulties, such as trouble coming up with the appropriate word to use in a conversation. Neuropsychological assessments can estimate a patient's cognitive (thinking) abilities related to the function of different brain structures. They determine the severity and location of lesions that are causing the seizures.
Other tests:
Additional diagnostic evaluation of epilepsy is done in patients with known seizure disorders having signs of treatable disorders like infections, metabolic disorders, and trauma.
- Lumbar puncture is required in patients with normal neuroimaging tests and meningitis or CNS infections.
- Anti-NMDA receptor antibody testing should be done to detect anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis.
- Intracarotid Memory and Speech Evaluation (Wada test) may be done to know language and memory functions.
✅ Stages of epilepsy
Cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) is a gene that provides certain instructions for making proteins that are important for normal brain and neuron development. Any mutations (changes) in the gene could cause severe encephalopathy (conditions causing brain dysfunction) in infants. In such infants, epilepsy usually is seen before 2 months of age which is associated with severe developmental delay.
A 2008 study demonstrates the electroclinical features in infants suffering with CDKL5 mutations as a way to characterize the stages of epilepsy through electroclinical diagnostics. The researchers identified a distinguishable three successive stages of epilepsy that consisted of:
- Early Epilepsy (Stage I)
- Epileptic Encephalopathy (Stage II)
- Late Multifocal and Myoclonic Epilepsy (Stage III)
Stage I: Early epilepsy
Usually, the median age of epilepsy onset was four weeks. Brief generalized tonic seizures are seen with flushing of the face, tonic followed by a clonic phase. It lasts at least a minute but occurs on daily and usually with over 2–5 per day.
Stage II: Epileptic encephalopathy
Epilepsy is progressively relapsed despite treatment. The relapses usually occur between six months and three years. Epileptic encephalopathy is seen with combined infantile spasms and brief tonic seizures associated with a very slow electroencephalography activity.
Stage III: Late multifocal and myoclonic epilepsy
In this stage, the patients suffer from severe refractory epilepsy, which has epileptic encephalopathy combined with infantile spasms that failed to respond to corticosteroids. This “late epilepsy” could be usually seen when a reduction of corticosteroids was prescribed.
Seizure types included tonic seizures and spasms in four cases, myoclonia in three, and atypical absences in two. Myoclonic seizures presented as brief jerks involving mainly the proximal part of the upper limbs of both sides but could also involve the distal part of the limbs or was generalized.
✅ Differential diagnosis of epilepsy
A differential diagnosis is a list of possible medical conditions or diseases that can share the same symptoms in a person. Epilepsy disease has an extensive differential diagnosis, below are some of the conditions that are included in the differential diagnosis of an epilepsy disease:
- Syncope (loss of consciousness for a short period)
- Convulsive concussion (characterized by myoclonic or tonic-clonic motor convulsions that occur within seconds of head injury)
- Movement disorders (characterized by involuntary muscle contractions that force certain body parts into abnormal, painful postures or movements.
- Sleep-related movement disorders (involuntary abnormal motor movements during sleep)
- Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (episodes of sudden onset involving involuntary movements, alterations in consciousness, without changes in electroencephalogram-EEG
✅ Goals of therapy for epilepsy
To achieve seizure-free status with no adverse effects is the primary goal of epilepsy treatment. The development of modern medicine ensured high successful rates in treating epilepsy with fewer adverse effects. According to a 2017 study, nearly two-thirds of newly diagnosed epilepsy patients are free from seizures after one year. Adverse effects are less, and drug interactions are avoided in the case of monotherapy patients.
✅ Interdisciplinary collaboration in treating epilepsy in diabetic patients.
Epilepsy is a dynamic physiological phenomenon that impacts various internal processes, including glucose metabolism. Epidemiological research demonstrated the higher risk of epilepsy seen in diabetic individuals. Reports depict epilepsy prevalence ranging from 1.5 to 2 times among people with diabetes when compared to those without the disease.
- During an epileptic event, the body's natural reaction is to increase the production of stress hormones, which aid in the development of insulin resistance and impair the peripheral tissues' ability to absorb glucose.
- Epileptic seizures interfere with the autonomic nervous system, altering the heart rate, hypertension etc. This imbalance impacts insulin sensitivity compromising glycaemic control. Epilepsy alters neurotransmitter levels in the impacting nutritional preferences and hunger control worsening glycaemic instability by altering in food intake and macronutrient composition.
- Few antiepileptic drugs can affect insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, thus disturbing the glycaemic control diabetics with epilepsy.
- On the other hand, antidiabetic medications such as sulfonylureas has been linked with an increased risk of hypoglycaemia, lowering seizure thresholds.
In conclusion, complex systems that affect both epilepsy and glycaemic control are involved in the bidirectional interactions between them. Treating individuals with diabetes and epilepsy requires a through comprehension of the therapeutic pathways, understanding the possibility of acute glucose dysregulation during the epilepsy treatment.
✅ Considerations of a neurologist in treating epilepsy in diabetic patients
The healthcare personnel at PACE Hospitals treat each case of epileptic patients associated with diabetes in an individualized manner, as each case is unique, presenting its own challenges.
Deciding on a treatment course requires extensive information on the patient's epileptic syndrome, such as the seizure frequency, duration, intensity, and reaction to certain antiepileptic drugs. It is common and necessary for endocrinologists and neurologists to work together to monitor and treat both disorders concomitantly.
The possibility of interactions that may occur between antiepileptic drugs and antidiabetic drugs is high, due to which precision selection of the right antiepileptic drugs in diabetics gathers utmost importance, thus requiring careful considerations.
- The neurological team may avoid a few antiepileptic drugs from classes, such as carboxamide derivatives and hydantoin derivatives, as they induce the secretion of hepatic enzymes, hastening the metabolic process of antidiabetic medications (sulfonylureas) and decreasing their efficiency.
- Similarly, the endocrinologists do practice caution sulfonylureas as it could induce hazardous blood glucose swings, risking hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels).
- Few antidiabetic drugs, usually from the biguanides class, which work by controlling oxidative stress and mitochondrial activity, may be preferred as they demonstrate potential neuroprotective effects, providing advantages for epileptic patients by either reducing the intensity or frequency of seizure episodes.
- The relatively novel antidiabetic drugs such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors demonstrate a safer blood glucose level control with lesser less risk for hypoglycaemia.Understanding the level of correlativity between diabetes and epilepsy, multidisciplinary team work regularly which can range from optimising drug schedules to be wary for potential interactions, to optimising treatment which treat both epilepsy and diabetes.
- This demands the necessity of regular neurological examinations to understand the status of epilepsy such as the severity and frequency of seizures, and regular glucose monitoring to track any glycaemic changes.
Best Neurology Doctor in Hyderabad, Top Neurologist and Neurosurgeon
Dr. Pravallika Dutta
MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology), MRCP(UK) Neurology (SCE)
10+ years of Exp.
Consultant Neurologist
Dr. Sandhya Manorenj
MBBS, DNB (General Medicine), DNB (Neurology), FNR (Fellowship in neurorehabilitation), MRCP (UK) Neurology (SCE), FEBN, FRCP (London)
23+ years of Exp.
Senior Consultant Neurologist
Dr. Chandra Sekar Mone
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Neuro Surgery), FRCS (GLAS), FRCS (EDIN), DNB
40+ years of Exp.
Consultant Neurosurgeon
Epilepsy treatment
It is crucial to start the treatment immediately once the patient has been diagnosed with epilepsy. Epilepsy treatment depends upon the person and the type of epilepsy. Epilepsy treatment includes the following:
- Nonpharmacological treatment for epilepsy
- Pharmacological treatment of epilepsy
- Surgical management of epilepsy
- Other procedures
Non-pharmacological treatment for epilepsy
The non-pharmacological management of epilepsy mainly involves the implementation of fat rich ketogenic diet, as well as altering lifestyle and diet to treat certain types of epilepsy.
- A ketogenic diet induces a ketosis state (body breaks down fats to survive, instead of carbohydrates). In some people, especially in children with certain forms of epilepsy, seizures are reduced effectively by having a ketogenic diet. People need to eat only foods with low carbohydrates and high fat content. People need to avoid eating high-sugar and high-carbohydrate foods. In some cases, having a ketogenic diet may lead to kidney stones because of the buildup of uric acid in the blood.
- Certain lifestyle modifications like sleeping properly, reducing distractions in the bedroom, exercising regularly before bedtime, and avoiding heavy meals may help treat epilepsy. Deprivation of sleep is one of the major triggering factors of seizures; hence, having proper sleep may reduce the occurrence of seizures.
Pharmacological treatment of epilepsy
Antiseizure medication is also known as antiepileptic or anti-convulsant medication or epilepsy medicine. The risk of having another seizure can be reduced by taking epilepsy medications. Hence, selection of appropriate drug therapy for the seizure is critical for successful treatment. There are various types of antiseizure medications. Few of them include:
- Barbiturates
- Hydantoins
- Succinimides
- Benzodiazepines
- Deoxy barbiturates
- Iminostilbenes
- Aliphatic carboxylic acids
- Phenyltriazines etc
In the case of only one generalized seizure, epilepsy drugs are not prescribed. They are prescribed for people who have more than one seizure. Febrile seizures and alcohol seizures do not require epilepsy medication. Some of the patients who suffer from post-traumatic seizures also need epilepsy drugs.
Pregnant women with seizure disorders should be careful during the use of epilepsy medication. Some of the antiseizure medications may be harmful in pregnancy as they increase the chance of miscarrying or inducing congenital disabilities in the baby. Folate supplements are generally prescribed in people to decrease the risk of congenital abnormalities in babies.
Generally, epilepsy medication is not given alone. It is prescribed along with other epilepsy medication. The neurologist adjusts the dose of antiseizure medicines, and people follow them as prescribed, and they should take them orally. People using antiseizure medications must know the side effects and consult the neurologist as required.
Two-thirds of the people who respond to epilepsy drugs can stop the medication. For nearly one-third of people with epilepsy, medications can completely stop the occurrence of seizures. In people who do not respond to antiseizure medications, surgery may be recommended.
Surgical management of epilepsy
Seizures can be improved by surgically removing a part of the epileptic focus. Surgery may be needed in people who do not respond to antiseizure medication or who have more side effects while using antiseizure medicines.
MRI of the brain, Functional MRI, EEG combined with magnets used for imaging (magnetic source imaging), and Single-photon emission CT (SPECT) tests are done before proceeding with the surgery. Psychological and neurological evaluation may be done before and after surgery to know the brain's functioning.
Most surgeries are done at specialized epilepsy centers, requiring extensive testing and monitoring.
Epilepsy surgery is mainly of two types - resective surgery and disconnective surgery.
- Resective epilepsy surgery: This surgery is performed when the part of the brain causing the seizures is very minute, has very good boundaries, and doesn't control things such as sight, speech, movement, or hearing as it involves the removal of brain part that causes the seizures.
- Disconnective surgery: In disconnective surgery, the paths between the nerves in brain that are involved in seizures are cut instead of removing the part of the brain.
After surgery, some patients are seizure-free without the use of antiseizure drugs, but many still need the drugs, but in low doses and possibly as single drug treatment. In people who cannot undergo surgery, other procedures may be recommended to reduce the seizures.
Other procedures
The below mentioned are the other procedures that a neurologist may suggest depending on the patient condition:
- Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS)
- Responsive stimulation
- Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS): This method can help in controlling the seizures however it does not prevent seizures completely but can make seizures less frequent. In this process, a small electrical device is placed under the skin of the patient's chest. Changing the electrical signals in the brain may help control the seizures.
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS): It is a reasonably new procedure that is uncommon and like VNS. However, the device placed in the chest is connected to wires that run directly into the brain. It can help prevent seizures by changing the electrical signals in the brain.
- Responsive stimulation: Brain activity patterns are analyzed by an implanted device that helps detect a forthcoming seizure. Once detected, the device administers an intervention, like electrical stimulation or a fast-acting drug, to prevent the occurrence of a seizure.
✅Epilepsy prognosis
The prognosis of epilepsy depends upon factors such as the type of seizures and the number of seizures that occurred before the initiation of treatment. Early response to the treatment is the positive predictor of long-term prognosis, while the history of a high number of seizures is the negative predictor of long-term prognosis.
Most of the epilepsy cases have a good prognosis for complete seizure control and gradual discontinuation of antiepileptic drugs. Different people have different outcomes and responses to epilepsy treatment. During a seizure, impairment of consciousness may sometimes result in morbidity and mortality because of repeated tonic-clonic movements during a seizure, patients may experience abrasions, facial, tongue, and limb lacerations, hematomas (a small pool of clotted blood), and dislocation of the shoulder in some cases. Neck injuries and facial injuries may be seen in atonic seizures.
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What is the survival rate of epilepsy disease?
The survival of epilepsy patients mainly depends on factors like diagnosis of the disease and early treatment. Nearly about 70% of people with epilepsy disease, with proper usage of antiepileptic drugs and certain types of surgeries, could become seizure-free.
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Is epilepsy curable?
Though epilepsy disease is a lifelong condition that can't be cured, many available treatment options like diet therapy, medications, and surgeries may help people control seizures and lead an everyday life.
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What are the symptoms of epilepsy?
Headache, confusion, deep sleep, head and eye deviation, muscle soreness, and Todd’s paralysis (a transient neurologic deficit, usually weakness, of the limb opposite to the seizure focus) are some of the symptoms of the epilepsy disease.
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What foods to avoid with epilepsy?
Epilepsy disease patients should avoid excessive sugar, sweets, high salt, spices, and certain fruit juices such as grapefruit, lime, pomegranate, star fruit, and caffeinated drinks as they trigger seizures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Epilepsy
How many different types of fits?
Fits, also known as seizures, can be classified into several different types based on their symptoms and underlying causes. Here are some of the most common types of fits:
- Generalized tonic-clonic seizures: These are the most dramatic and noticeable type of seizure, often referred to as "grand mal" seizures. They involve a loss of consciousness, stiffening of the body, and jerking movements of the limbs.
- Absence seizures: These seizures are relatively brief, typically lasting only a few seconds. They involve a brief loss of consciousness or a blank stare, and may be accompanied by subtle muscle twitching or eye blinking.
- Complex partial seizures: These seizures involve a loss of awareness or consciousness, and may be accompanied by repetitive movements, strange behaviors, or hallucinations. They often begin in a specific area of the brain, such as the temporal lobe.
- Simple partial seizures: These seizures involve motor, sensory, or autonomic symptoms, but do not involve a loss of consciousness. They may include twitching, tingling, or numbness in a specific part of the body, or a change in vision, hearing, or other sensory perception.
- Myoclonic seizures: These seizures involve brief, shock-like jerks of the muscles, often affecting the arms and legs. They may occur in clusters and can be triggered by sudden movements or sounds.
- Atonic seizures: These seizures involve a sudden loss of muscle tone, causing the person to collapse or fall. They are also known as "drop attacks."
- Infantile spasms: These seizures occur in young children, typically between 3 and 12 months of age. They involve sudden, repetitive movements of the neck, trunk, or limbs, and may be associated with developmental delays or intellectual disability.
Since each person's experience with seizures is unique, a neurologist / epileptologist can provide a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan based on a thorough evaluation of the individual's symptoms and medical history.
What are the common do's and don'ts in Epilepsy?
It is important to follow certain guidelines to help manage seizures and reduce the risk of complications. Here are some common dos and don'ts for people with epilepsy:
Dos:
- Take prescribed medication as directed by a neurologist / epileptologist.
- Get enough sleep and maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
- Wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace to alert others in case of a seizure.
- Inform family members, friends, and coworkers about your epilepsy and what to do in case of a seizure.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise.
- Keep a seizure diary to track any patterns or triggers.
- Consider wearing a helmet during activities that involve a risk of head injury.
Don'ts:
- Don't stop taking medication without consulting a neurologist / epileptologist.
- Don't ignore stress or anxiety, as they can trigger seizures in some people.
- Don't neglect regular check-ups and monitoring with your healthcare provider.
- Don't skip doses or take medication at the wrong time.
- Don't ignore warning signs or auras that may precede a seizure.
- Don't drink alcohol excessively or use recreational drugs, as they can lower the seizure threshold.
- Don't engage in activities that pose a risk of injury during a seizure, such as swimming or climbing.
- Don't drive or operate heavy machinery if you have uncontrolled seizures or have been advised not to do so by your doctor.
By following these guidelines, people with epilepsy can help manage their condition and reduce the risk of complications. It is important to work closely with your doctor to develop a personalized treatment plan and to regularly monitor your condition.
Is epilepsy hereditary?
Though epilepsy disease has many different causes, epilepsy disease is considered as high genetic and heritable in some cases. Nearly 70-80% of cases of epilepsy are based on genetic factors. A 2-4-fold increased risk of epilepsy is seen in first-degree relatives of people with inherited epilepsy.
Which doctor to consult for epilepsy?
It is important to see a neurologist for proper diagnosis and treatment. They can evaluate your symptoms, perform a physical examination, and order any necessary tests, such as an electroencephalogram (EEG) or brain imaging studies. A neurologist, who is a specialist in treating conditions related to the nervous system, including epilepsy. A neurologist may perform further tests and develop a treatment plan, which may include medication, surgery, or other interventions.
In some cases, a neurologist may refer you to an epileptologist, who is a neurologist with additional training and expertise in treating epilepsy. An epileptologist may be able to provide more specialized care and treatment options for individuals with complex or difficult-to-treat epilepsy.
It is important to seek medical attention if you experience seizures or suspect that you may have epilepsy. Proper diagnosis and treatment can help manage the condition and improve quality of life.
What are the common myths and facts about epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a common neurological condition that affects lakhs of people worldwide, yet it is often surrounded by myths and misconceptions. Here are some common myths and facts about epilepsy:
- Myth: Epilepsy is a rare condition.
- Fact: Epilepsy is actually quite common, affecting approximately 5.59-10 per 1000 people in India.
- Myth: Epilepsy is a form of mental illness.
- Fact: Epilepsy is a physical condition that affects the brain, not a mental illness.
- Myth: People with epilepsy are violent or dangerous.
- Fact: People with epilepsy are no more likely to be violent or dangerous than anyone else. Seizures themselves can sometimes cause people to behave in unusual or unpredictable ways, but this is not a reflection of their personality or character.
- Myth: People with epilepsy can't work or go to school.
- Fact: With proper treatment and management, most people with epilepsy can lead full and productive lives, including working and attending school.
- Myth: Epilepsy is contagious.
- Fact: Epilepsy is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.
- Myth: You should put something in a person's mouth during a seizure.
- Fact: Putting something in a person's mouth during a seizure can actually cause injury. It is best to gently roll the person onto their side and clear away any nearby objects that could cause harm.
- Myth: Epilepsy is a lifelong condition that can't be cured.
- Fact: While epilepsy is a chronic condition, many people with epilepsy are able to achieve seizure freedom with proper treatment and management. In some cases, epilepsy may even resolve on its own, particularly in children.
- Myth: Epilepsy is caused by supernatural forces or curses.
- Fact: Epilepsy is a medical condition with a variety of underlying causes, including genetics, brain injury, and infection. It is not caused by supernatural forces or curses.
By understanding the facts about epilepsy, we can help reduce stigma and discrimination against people with the condition and promote greater awareness and understanding.
Can a concussion make epilepsy worse?
Certain epidemiologic studies have suggested that concussion is often associated with a twofold or more significant increase in relative risk for post-traumatic epilepsy development. In some cases, concussion (brain injury) may worsen seizure control in epilepsy people.
What are the symptoms of temporal lobe epilepsy?
Confusion, aphasia, oral-facial, dilated pupils, staring, loss of awareness, chest discomfort, abdominal discomfort, fear, strange smells, lip smacking, chewing, blinking, and automatic unconsciously repeated movements are some of the symptoms of temporal lobe epilepsy.
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