Epilepsy Treatment in India

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, which are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It affects approximately 50 million people worldwide, making it one of the most common neurological conditions. The disorder can manifest at any age, but it typically begins in childhood or later in life, particularly after the age of 60.

Types of Epilepsy :

• Convulsions: Uncontrollable jerking movements.
• Staring spells: Brief lapses of awareness where the person may stare blankly.
• Tonic-clonic seizures: Involve stiffening of the body followed by rhythmic jerking.
• Partial seizures: Affect only a part of the brain, leading to localized symptoms such as unusual sensations or movements

Symptoms :

• Loss of awareness or consciousness.
• Stiffness in muscles.
• Jerking or shaking movements.

Causes :

• Genetic factors: Family history may play a role, with about one-third of individuals having a relative with epilepsy.
• Brain injury: Trauma from accidents, strokes, or tumors can lead to epilepsy.
• Infections: Conditions like meningitis can trigger seizures.
• Developmental issues: Birth defects affecting brain structure may also be implicated.

Treatment Options:

While there is no cure for epilepsy, many effective treatments can help manage seizures:

• Medications - Anti-seizure drugs are the primary treatment and can control seizures in about 70% of cases.
• Surgery - In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the area of the brain responsible for seizures.
• Dietary therapies - A ketogenic diet has shown efficacy in controlling seizures for some individuals.
• Neurostimulation - Devices that stimulate the vagus nerve or deep brain structures may also be used.