Epilepsy is a disease of the brain in which abnormal activity of the brain results in abnormal response of behavior of the patient, which is known as seizures. In normal conditions, the brain sends messages to the body continuously for a purposeful response. But when this activity becomes abnormally increased, it generates an abnormal response in the body. This condition can also happen due to other conditions like low levels of sugar in the blood. So, for the confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy, all the other medical conditions should be ruled out. There are also types of epilepsy based on the involvement of the whole brain or just a part of the brain. Almost 50 million people are affected with epilepsy worldwide. Most of the time the exact cause of epilepsy is unknown but sometimes, epilepsy can also occur after a head injury, tumor, infection, or brain attack. Some risk factors can increase the susceptibility of epilepsy in patients. Most patients who are diagnosed with epilepsy have frequent attacks of seizures with no known cause. There are also the types of treatment that should be used according to the suitability of an individual patient. Epilepsy can cause severe psychological issues so proper counseling of patients and caregivers is also a part of the treatment plan.
Types of Epilepsy Treatment India
Some of the treatment types used to treat epilepsy are:
- Medication
- Surgery
- Dietary Therapy
- Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)
- Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS)
- Lifestyle Changes
Medication
Some medications are used in epilepsy to control the symptoms and these medications are known as Antiepileptic drugs. These medicines control the activity of the brain and prevent the abnormal behaviors of patients.
Surgery
In some cases, when medication treatment is not responsive, surgical treatments are used to manage the symptoms of epilepsy. In surgery, either a part of the brain that causes the symptoms or a device is placed inside the brain that controls the activity of the brain.
Dietary Therapy
For some patients with young age or children diagnosed with epilepsy is recommended to take a diet rich in fats. Because fats are important for the development of the brain.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)
In this treatment, a small device is implanted in the chest which sends signals to the vagus nerve in the neck. This nerve stimulation helps to reduce the severity of seizures and also reduces the chances of frequent attacks.
Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS)
RNS is another implantable device that monitors abnormal brain activity and delivers signals to prevent the attack of seizures whenever these abnormal patterns are detected.
Lifestyle Changes
Seizures can also be managed with lifestyle modifications. Avoiding activities that trigger epilepsy, getting adequate sleep, and managing stress can also be effective in reducing attacks of seizure.
Diagnosis of Epilepsy Treatment India
Some of the methods for the diagnosis of epilepsy are described below:
Patient History Assessment
Healthcare professionals examine the medical history of patients in detail including the occurrence of seizures, any family history of epilepsy or seizures, and other medical information.
Physical Examination
A physical examination is conducted to identify any physical signs or abnormalities of the activity of the brain.
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
An EEG is a test that measures the electrical activity of the brain. EEG plays an important role in the diagnosis of epilepsy. Abnormal EEG patterns can indicate the chances of seizures.
Imaging Procedures
Brain imaging tests such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or CT (Computed Tomography) scans are also used to detect structural abnormalities in the brain that can cause seizures.
Blood Tests
Blood tests are also performed to find out other medical conditions that can cause the complication of seizures.
Video EEG Monitoring
In some cases, video EEG monitoring in a hospital setting becomes necessary to examine and analyze seizure activity over an extended period.
Spinal Tap (Lumbar Puncture)
In rare cases, a spinal tap or lumbar puncture test may be performed to examine the fluid present in the brain and spinal cord. This test is performed to detect infection or other abnormalities within the brain.
Cost of Epilepsy Treatment in India
The cost of epilepsy treatment in India ranges from 1700 USD to 6000 USD. The cost can vary according to the condition of each patient and the cause of epilepsy. The cost can also vary according to the facilities of hospitals and the skills of health care professionals.
Some of the symptoms of epilepsy are as follows:
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion
- Muscle spasms
- Staring
- Jerking movements
- Uncontrollable shaking
- Temporary memory loss
- Twitching or tingling sensations
- Sudden falling
- Involuntary repetitive actions
- A strange feeling or sensation before a seizure
- Brief blackouts
- Abnormal eye movements
- Emotional changes during seizures
Risk Factors of Epilepsy
Some of the risk factors that are associated with epilepsy are:
Family History of Epilepsy
There is a positive correlation between a positive family history and the occurrence of epilepsy in patients. A family member or close relative with epilepsy can increase the risk of epilepsy.
Brain Injuries or Trauma
Head injuries from accidents or falls can also lead to epilepsy. The risk is greater if the accident causes some brain damage.
Brain Infections
Brain infections can cause a greater risk of epilepsy. The infection causes high fever and swelling that increase the chances of epilepsy.
Stroke or Vascular Diseases
Reduced flow of blood or damage to the brain due to brain attack or other issues of blood vessels of the brain can also be a risk factor.
Brain Tumors
Tumors in the brain can also cause disturbance in the normal activity of the brain that increases the risk of epilepsy.
Developmental Disorders of the Brain
Conditions that affect the development of the brain can increase the risk of epilepsy. It mostly occurs in children of a few months to five years of age.
Neurodegenerative Conditions
Some degenerative diseases of the brain can cause changes in the brain that may lead to seizures. For example, memory loss in old age due to degenerative changes can also cause epilepsy.
Drug or Alcohol Use
Some medications are also associated with the risk of epilepsy and those people who take excess alcohol are at greater risk of epilepsy.
Febrile Seizures During Childhood
Seizures during a high fever as a child can slightly increase the risk of epilepsy later in life.
06/22/2024
