Epilepsy

Epilepsy

Overview

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Effective treatment focuses on seizure control, improving quality of life, and addressing underlying causes. Our DM (Neuro Medicine) department provides comprehensive care, from diagnosis to advanced treatment options, ensuring optimal management of epilepsy.

Symptoms of Epilepsy

• Recurrent seizures (varying from mild to severe)
• Temporary confusion or staring spells
• Uncontrollable jerking movements of arms and legs
• Loss of awareness or consciousness
• Sudden fear, anxiety, or déjà vu sensations before a seizure

Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. Our hospital offers advanced diagnostic tests, including:

• Electroencephalogram (EEG): Records brain activity to detect abnormal electrical patterns.
• MRI & CT Scans: Identifies structural abnormalities, tumors, or brain damage.
• Video EEG Monitoring: Captures seizure activity in real-time for precise diagnosis.
• Blood Tests: Detects metabolic disorders or infections that may trigger seizures.

Treatment Options

Our epilepsy treatment approach is tailored to each patient’s specific condition and seizure type:

• Medication Therapy:
  
  • Anti-seizure medications (ASMs) are the first-line treatment for epilepsy.
  • Personalized drug selection based on seizure type and patient profile.
  • Regular monitoring for dosage adjustments and side effects management.
• Lifestyle Modifications & Seizure Prevention:
  
  • Identifying and avoiding potential triggers such as stress, sleep deprivation, or flashing lights.
  • Adopting a structured routine with adequate sleep and balanced nutrition.
  • Patient education on seizure management and safety precautions.
• Ketogenic Diet Therapy:
  
  • A high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet may be recommended for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.
  • Supervised by a specialized nutrition team to ensure effectiveness.
• Neurostimulation Therapies:
  
  • Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): A small device implanted in the chest sends electrical impulses to reduce seizure frequency.
  • Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): Used for certain severe cases to regulate abnormal brain activity.
  • Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS): A device that detects and stops seizures in real time.
• Surgical Interventions:
  
  • Considered for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.
  • Resective Surgery: Removes the affected brain area causing seizures.
  • Corpus Callosotomy: Disconnects communication between brain hemispheres to prevent seizure spread.
  • Multiple Subpial Transection (MST): Used for cases where the seizure focus cannot be removed.
• Emergency Seizure Management:
  
  • Specialized care for status epilepticus (prolonged, life-threatening seizures).
  • Rapid medication administration and intensive monitoring in critical cases.

Specialized Epilepsy Care

• Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU): Advanced facilities for long-term seizure evaluation.
• Comprehensive Pediatric & Adult Epilepsy Programs: Age-specific treatment plans.
• Epilepsy Counseling & Support Groups: Helping patients and families cope with the condition.

When to Seek Treatment

If you experience recurrent seizures, unexplained episodes of confusion or loss of consciousness, or have a history of epilepsy with poor seizure control, early medical intervention is crucial for better outcomes.

Our DM (Neuro Medicine) department is committed to delivering world-class epilepsy treatment, ensuring a seizure-free and improved quality of life for our patients.