Out of the 70 million epileptic patients worldwide, approximately 12 million patients are expected to reside in India. It contributes nearly one-sixth of the global burden of epilepsy. Clinically epilepsy is similar in developing and developed countries but the extent to which epileptic patients are recognized, investigated and managed is different.

Epilepsy is a group of neurological disorders related to the brain’s electrical system which is characterised by a tendency to cause a recurrent seizure. These recurrent seizures occur because of a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain which temporarily disturb the messaging system between the brain cells.

This article will explain the types, causes, symptoms and Epilepsy Treatment in Gurgaon.

Symptoms and different types of seizures are mentioned below:

Repeated seizures are the main symptom of epilepsy. You should see a neurologist if you are observing one or more following symptoms:

• A convulsion with no fever.

• Confused memory and short spells of blackout

• Intermittent fainting spells

• Loss of bowel and urine control

• Extreme tiredness

• A sudden stiffness of the person with no reason

• Unresponsiveness to instructions and questions

• Repetitive inappropriate movements

• A person becomes panic or angry for no reason

• Rapid jerking movements

Seizures can be categorized into:

Absence seizure: When this type of seizure occurs, the person appears absent from their body. Usually stares off vacantly in one direction and then become normal. Symptoms may begin about 4 to 14 years of age.

Generalised tonic-clonic seizure: It is also called grand mal seizures and usually starts with the stiffness of the arms and legs followed by jerking motions in the limbs. When a seizure occurs, the patient may fall from the standing position. It may last for 3 mins, after that, the person may feel confused and weak.

Partial seizure: Involves only one side of the brain.

Simple partial seizures: Jerky fingers and hand movements.

Complex partial seizures: Day dream-like state, unusual activities like picking something from the air, repeating words or phrases etc.

Causes of getting epileptic seizures

Epilepsy occurs when the brain messaging system disrupted due to the faulty electrical activity.

A number of conditions are there which can contribute as a risk factor for epilepsy:

• Inherited genetic factors

• Lack of oxygen into the brain due to various brain conditions like stroke or tumours.

• Any other severe brain injury such as head trauma because of an accident.

• Prenatal head injury that occurs before birth.

• Any other infectious disease

• A developmental disorder such as autism

Treatment

Medications: Anti-seizure medications are always the first line treatment used to reduce or prevent seizure activity. Your health care expert will first diagnose the specific type of seizure and prescribe medication according to the diagnosis. Approximately 70% of patients with epilepsy become seizure-free after taking regular medicines. One should not stop the medications without consulting with the neurologist.

Diet: Ketogenic diet can be helpful in reducing the frequency of seizures in children and some adults. High fat and low carbohydrate diet produce ketones that in turn affect the brain resulting in no seizures.

VNS (Vagus Nerve Stimulation): Vagus nerve is stimulated by the surgical implantation of a small device in order to send signals to the brain. These signals may help in reducing seizure activity.

Surgery: Brain surgery may be an alternative treatment to the patient who does not respond to other treatment therapies. The small portion of brain tissue responsible for seizure activity is removed with the help of surgery.

After taking expert advice and regular medications one can live a seizure-free and active life. Selection of an expert neurologist plays the key role. Well, you can find the Best Child Neurologist in Gurgaon in the name of Dr. Rakesh Jain at child neurology centre. Dr. Jain with his more than 10 years of experience and expertise, is dedicated to providing the best treatment for your seizures. Book your appointment today.