Epilepsy- the most tabooed health problem in India

Epilepsy is a chronic disorder, characterised by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Many

people with epilepsy have more than one type of seizures and may present other
symptoms of neurological problems as well. A diagnosis of epilepsy would depend on
multiple pieces of information, such as the description of the episodes, patients medical
and family history and the results of diagnostic tests. With proper medication, Epilepsy can
be treated and patients can be helped to achieve good seizure control. In case medication is
not effective, there are other treatments available. In India, the following treatments are
available for Epilepsy:

Medication
Epilepsy is mainly treated through medication, particularly, anticonvulsant drugs. Doctors
prescribe medication for Epilepsy on basis of several factors, such as the frequency and
severity of the seizures, the patients age, general health, and medical history. An accurate
diagnosis of the type of epilepsy is also critical to choosing the best treatment. There are
several drugs available in India to treat epilepsy. Brand name anticonvulsants are most
preferred by doctors but many insurance companies may not cover the cost, making it
more preferable to start taking a generic anticonvulsant medication. However, it is
necessary to only take medication that has been prescribed by the doctors. If the desired
control is not achieved the patient may have to start taking the branded drug.

While the types of epilepsy vary vastly, the use of medication can, in general, control
seizures in about 70% of all patients. Some commonly used medicines for Epilepsy
treatment in India are Dilantin or Phenytek, Phenobarbital, Tegretol or Carbatrol, Mysoline,
Zarontin, Depakene, Depakote, Depakote ER, Valium and similar tranquilizers, such as,
Tranxene and Klonopin, Felbatol, Gabitril, Keppra, Lamictal, Lyrica, Neurontin,
Topamax,Trileptal and Zonegran.

Side effects of medication

The drugs used to treat epilepsy have certain side effects. Depending on the dose, type of
medication, and the course of treatment, the side effects may vary. Patients taking higher
doses usually have more side effects, but they tend to lessen with time as the body adjusts
to the medication. There are three types of side effects

Common side effects- These side effects may occur with any epilepsy drug
because it affects the nervous system. These side effects include blurry or
double vision, fatigue, sleepiness, unsteadiness and upset stomach.
 Idiosyncratic side effects- These are rare, unpredictable reactions which are
not dose-related and are mostly seen as skin rashes, low blood cell counts,
and liver problems.
Unique side effects- These are those that are not shared by other drugs in the
same class. Doctors generally discuss any unique side effects before
prescribing medication.
In certain types of epilepsy, after a few years of medication, the patients might be relieved
of the treatment while some other might need a lifelong treatment. Patients who are
seizure free for a certain period are recommended for a reevaluation to make sure the
discontinuation of medicines. Remember, there are a few exceptions! Discontinuing a
medication also depends on more than the length of the seizure-free period.
Surgery- Surgery is done to remove a small part of the brain which is the main cause of
epilepsy. Surgery is considered only when seizures cannot be controlled with medication,
especially focal seizures. However, Surgery is possible only for a minority of people with
epilepsy. Surgery can have its own factors of risks as well hence, make sure that you
consult the best hospital for Epilepsy Treatment. There are many hospitals who pioneer in
neurosurgery in India. Narayana Health is one of the best hospitals for neurosurgery in
India with a team of experienced and skilled neurosurgeons.

Vagal nerve stimulation- Vagal nerve stimulation treatment is provided by implanting a

small generator under the skin, below the left collarbone. The vagus nerve is stimulated to
reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures. This treatment might be suitable for certain
patients with seizures that are difficult to control with medication.

The ketogenic diet- This is a diet which is very high in fat, low in protein and almost
carbohydrate-free. It can prove highly effective in the treatment of difficult-to-control
seizures in some children.

There are certain other complementary therapies such as aromatherapy that may help the
patient to relax and relieve stress. But, they have not been proven effective to control or
prevent seizures. Some patients suffering from epilepsy grow anxious or depressed due to
their condition. In such cases, counselling might help to overcome such situations.

Narayana Health is a multispeciality hospital in India with its headquarters in Bangalore.

Narayana is the best neurosurgery hospital in India, providing high quality and affordable
healthcare services, with a team of the most skilled doctors. Narayana Health has a chain of
hospitals situated all over India. It is the best Hospital in Bangalore for the treatment of
Epilepsy. This hospital has the most experienced doctors in Karnataka, who provide
Epilepsy treatment. Narayana Health provides advanced care in almost 30 specialities
including cardiology and cardiac surgery, cancer care, neurology and neurosurgery,
orthopaedics, nephrology and urology and gastroenterology.