Epilepsy Seizures: Diagnosis & Treatments

What is Epilepsy Seizures?

Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain caused by clusters of nerve cells or neurons, in the brain. Epileptic seizures are caused by a disturbance in the electrical activity of the brain. There are different types of epileptic seizure. Anyone can have a single epileptic seizure at some point in their lives. Epileptic seizures are not the same as having epilepsy. Epileptic is a tendency to have seizures that start in the brain.

Types of Epilepsy Seizures

Doctors have described more than 30 different types of seizures. These Seizures are divided into two major categories:-

Focal seizures: - Focal seizures, also called as partial seizures. These seizures occur in one part of the brain.  Around 60% of people with epilepsy have focal seizures. These seizures are identified by the area of the brain in which they originate. In a simple focal seizure, the person will remain conscious but experience unusual feelings or sensations that can take many forms whereas in complex focal seizure the person has a change in or loss of consciousness. The person’s consciousness can also be altered. People who experience complex focal seizure may display strange behavior. The symptoms of focal seizures can easily be confused with other disorders. It may take many tests and careful monitoring by an experienced physician to tell the difference between epilepsy and other disorders.

Generalized seizures: - Generalized seizures are the result of abnormal neuronal activity on both sides of the brain. These seizures can cause falls, loss of consciousness, or massive muscle spasms in patients. There are many different kinds of generalized seizures such as absence seizures, clonic seizures, Myoclonic seizures, Atonic seizures and Tonic-clonic seizures.

Diagnosis of Epilepsy Seizures

Different types of seizures respond to different treatments. Correct diagnosis of Epilepsy Seizures is very important for the correct treatment. The doctors conduct several numbers of tests to identify the type of Seizure the patient is suffering from.

Epilepsy EEG Test: - EEG test is performed to test tracks electrical signals from the patient’s brain.

Blood Tests: - Number of blood tests are recommended as part of epilepsy diagnosis and treatment.

PET scan: - A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is used to locate the part of the brain that is causing seizures.

Spinal Tap: - Spinal Tap is also called a lumbar puncture. In this test the fluid surrounding the spinal cord is withdrawn through a needle and examined in a lab.

Treatments for Epilepsy Seizures

Accurate diagnosis of the type of epilepsy is crucial in finding an effective treatment. There are many different ways to treat epilepsy. The type of treatment prescribed by the surgeons depends on several factors, such as the frequency and severity of the seizures, patient’s age, medical history and overall health. Following are some of the treatments mentioned:-

Medication: - Many people suffering from epilepsy can become seizure-free by taking one anti-seizure medication whereas other patients may be able to decrease the frequency and intensity of their seizures by taking a combination of medications. Finding the right medication and dosage is very important. The doctors prescribe medicines Depending on the condition of the patient such as the frequency of seizures, age, and various other factors. Initially, the doctors prescribe a single medication at a relatively low dosage and increase the dosage gradually until the seizures are well-controlled.

Surgery: - Surgery is most commonly way to treat Epilepsy Seizures. Initially, the doctors perform a number of tests to identify the part of the brain that originates the seizures. In case if the seizures are originated from a small, well-defined area of the brain that  does not interfere the vital function of the person such as speech or language then the surgeons remove the area of the brain that's causing the seizures. If the seizures originate in the part of the brain that can't be removed, the surgeons perform a surgery by making several incision in the brain. The incision made are designed in such a way that they prevent the seizures from spreading to other parts of the brain. In rare cases, surgery for epilepsy can lead to various complications such as cognitive abilities.

Treatment of Epilepsy Seizures in India with IndianMedTrip

IndianMedTrip is the leader in providing world-class medical tourism services in India at the most affordable costs. IndianMedTrip has a wide network of association across the country with the best surgeons and hospitals. IndianMedTrip offers every patient with a unique and bespoke medical treatment package of the best healthcare facilities at an affordable and cost-friendly rate. IndianMedTrip has the best priced surgery packages for epilepsy. IndianMedTrip takes care of patients every need right from their arrival till departure.

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