Epiliepsy Surgery in India

What is epilepsy? 
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder marked by recurring seizures and episodes of unusual behaviour. Epilepsy interferes with the normal brain activity thereby making it difficult for the brain to carry out its functions properly. The problem can affect people of any age group for gender. Symptoms associated with epilepsy vary from person to person and range from simple blank stares to repeated twitch in the limbs. Having seizures does not necessarily mean that you have epilepsy, however, if the episodes are frequent and persistent, you should definitely consult a specialist for proper evaluation and assessment.

Some common symptoms associated with epilepsy include:

• Temporary confusion
• Staring spells
• Jerking limb movements
• Unconsciousness
• Lack of awareness
• Psychic symptoms like fear and anxiety

Surgery is one of the most common and effective ways to treat epilepsy. It helps to remove those areas of the brain which are responsible for causing the seizures. Surgery is not the first line of treatment and doctors initially considered medication and other options. Surgery is generally recommended when other treatment options fail to give the desired results.

The surgery usually has 3 goals

• To completely stop the seizures
• To limit the severity of the seizures
• To curb the seizures from progressing

Things you need to know 

• The procedural time, as well as the time taken for recovery, vary depending upon the type of surgery
• Your average length of stay will be decided based on your surgery and the pace at which you recover.

How Health Orioles helps you to find the best healthcare facility in India? 
Over the last few years, India has become one of the leading hubs for medical tourism, attracting a countless number of patients from across borders and seas. With hundreds and thousands of options to choose from, it becomes rather difficult to make your decision. With a curated list of around 101 Hospitals & Clinics and 95 doctors & surgeons, Health Orioles is your ultimate guide to finding quality treatment in India.

We provide you with access to the top doctors and surgeons specializing in Epilepsy Surgery, to help you make an informed decision and ensure the right optimization of your time and finances.

Connect with us to know more about your treatment and how we plan your medical journey with our experts.

 How to prepare for the treatment? 

• You will be required to undergo a series of tests and screenings for detailed evaluation and assessment. These include tests like baseline electroencephalogram (EEG), Video EEG, MRI, PET scan and SPECT scan.
• Wada test and brain mapping will be done in order to plan the treatment protocol
• You need to make sure that the doctor is well aware of your medical history
• You need to inform your doctor about any medications that you have been taking
• You may be prescribed some medications to prepare your body and elevate the risk of infection during or after surgery

Procedure involved

• The surgery is performed under the influence of anaesthesia
• Throughout the surgery, your vitals will be monitored closely
• The procedure involved depends upon the type of surgery
• Resective surgery - it involves the surgical removal of a small portion of the brain that is responsible for triggering the seizures. The surgery is commonly performed on one of the temporal lobes, which are responsible for controlling visual memory, emotions and language.
• Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) - It is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the use of a laser to target and destroy the portion of brain tissues that are triggering the seizures. The procedure involves the use of imaging guidance for which MRI is preferred.
• Deep brain stimulation - The procedure involves the use of a special device that is surgically implanted inside the patient's brain. The stimulator senses any abnormality and generates electrical impulses to disrupt them.
• Corpus callosotomy - The surgery involves the complete or partial removal of the portion of the brain that is connected to the sides of the corpus callosum. The procedure is usually recommended to small children experiencing abnormal brain activity
• Hemispherectomy - The procedure involves the surgical removal of one hemisphere of the cerebral cortex. The procedure is performed on children who experience seizures originating from multiple sites in a single hemisphere.

What to expect after the procedure? 

• After the surgery, you will be shifted to the recovery room where you will be kept for several hours.
• You are likely to feel slight pain and discomfort which is quite normal and can be taken care of with the help of prescribed medication
• Your head will remain slightly swollen for a few days
• Rigorous physical activities are to be avoided for at least 2 to 3 months
• You will be required to take some prescribed medications to aid your recovery
• Potential risks you need to know about
• Bleeding
• Clotting