On the occasion of World Epilepsy Day, medical experts across India have emphasized the urgent need for awareness and timely intervention using new-age treatments and a multi-disciplinary approach. Epilepsy, the second most common neurological condition after headaches, poses a significant burden on individuals, families, society, and healthcare systems.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by abnormal brain activity that leads to recurrent seizures. According to estimates, over 15 million people in India suffer from epilepsy, with 20-30% of these patients classified as drug-resistant cases. Experts affirm that with timely and appropriate treatment, individuals with epilepsy can lead normal lives.

Understanding Epilepsy: Causes, Categories, and Symptoms

Epilepsy is broadly classified into two major categories: Generalized Epilepsy and Partial (Focal) Epilepsy. The condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic or birth defects, oxygen deprivation (hypoxic sequelae), brain infections, head injuries, strokes, and brain tumors.

“The signs and symptoms of a seizure vary, so you may not always know what to look for. In certain cases, this can even be seen as typical behavior. This might cause delays in the diagnosis and management of epilepsy. The physical signs and symptoms that might suggest that a person is suffering a seizure include excessive jerking or twitching in a single body area or throughout the body, unexpectedly plummeting down, exhibiting blank stares or lacking awareness of surroundings, unnatural behavior such as wandering. Also, they may tend to pick adjacent objects, such as clothing or air, or continuously smack their lips. Verbal signs and symptoms, pointing towards a seizure include an odd odor or foul taste in tongue, a tingling or numb feeling or confusion,”

said Dr. Shivraj Hunge, Consultant-Neurologist, Jupiter Hospital Pune.

Advancements in Epilepsy Treatment: A New Horizon

The landscape of epilepsy treatment has evolved significantly with advancements in both medication and surgical interventions.

“Anti-seizure drugs are one type of treatment option; however, it may take some time to discover the proper prescription and dosage. In order to treat the root causes of drug-resistant epilepsy, surgery is also being investigated to remove brain tumors. When the cause of seizures is unknown, deep brain stimulation, or DBS, may be necessary,”

said Dr. Praveen Gupta, Principal Director & Chief of Neurology, Fortis Hospital.

Specialized epilepsy centers have gained prominence in combating epilepsy, offering various surgical options such as resective surgery, which removes the specific brain area responsible for seizures.

“In India, several super-speciality hospitals now offer advanced treatments for epilepsy, primarily including epilepsy surgery. We have now options like resective surgery, vagus nerve stimulation, and minimally invasive procedures, alongside advanced comprehensive diagnostic tools like high-density EEG and brain mapping for accurate localization of seizure foci, particularly in children; and advanced neuroimaging techniques like PET scans and MEG are used to further refine diagnosis and surgical planning,”

said Dr. Madhukar Bharadwaj, Director and HOD, Neurology, Aakash Healthcare, New Delhi.

Revolutionizing Diagnosis with Advanced Technology

Early and precise diagnosis is critical for effective epilepsy management. Advances in diagnostic technologies have made it possible to identify seizure foci with greater accuracy.

“We have made significant progress in diagnostic technologies. A thorough process is used for diagnosis, which includes, along with physical examination, a number of tests, including blood tests, bedside EEGs, video EEGs, brain CT scans, and MRIs. These examinations and testing aid in determining probable reasons and developing suitable treatment plans,”

added Dr. Aakaar Kapoor, CEO & Lead Medical Advisor, City X-Ray and Scan Clinic.

In addition, innovative surgical techniques like Corpus Callosotomy, which severs fibers in the corpus callosum to reduce seizure spread, Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS), which involves implanting a device to stimulate the vagus nerve to prevent seizures, and Stereo-EEG, a minimally invasive technique to precisely locate seizure origins, are enhancing treatment outcomes.

Addressing Social Stigma and Accessibility Issues

Epilepsy patients often face stigma, discrimination, and social exclusion, which significantly impact their mental health and well-being.

“We need to focus on main challenges such as stigma associated with this disease and discrimination and social exclusion. It is proven that these stigma and experiences hugely impact on mental health and well-being of the patients. Moreover, inability to access insurance is yet another pain point. Awareness plays a key role in managing epilepsy. Identifying triggers and taking medicines regularly can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with epilepsy,”

said Dr. Bhargavi Ramanujam, Senior Consultant, Neurology, PSRI Hospital.

Experts emphasize the need for a multi-disciplinary approach, involving neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists, and social workers, to provide holistic care for epilepsy patients.

The Role of Neuro-Robotics in Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

With the advent of neuro-robotic treatment, drug-resistant epilepsy patients now have new hope. This advanced procedure allows neurosurgeons to implant electrodes, pinpoint seizure origins, and stimulate them for confirmation before ablating the faulty brain area.

“Now neuro-robotic treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy offers big hope. This is an advanced procedure where neurosurgeons implant electrodes to pinpoint seizure origins, stimulating them for confirmation, and then ablating the faulty brain area. We believe this procedure can be a game changer in offering new and advanced treatment,”

said Dr. Mukesh Pandey, Director & HOD- Neurosurgery, Asian Hospital.

India’s advanced Neuroscience Centres are pioneering groundbreaking treatments for drug-resistant epilepsy using neuro-robotic systems that can precisely identify and eliminate seizure-triggering areas in the brain.

“It is clinically established that epilepsy is far more complex than just seizures. We need to focus on advanced, tech-driven procedures and treatments to enhance clinical outcomes. With this neuro-robotic intervention, we implant a few electrodes into the patient’s brain through a minimally invasive procedure. These electrodes help identify the exact seizure-triggering regions by stimulating the brain and reproducing seizures in a controlled manner. Once the focal point is confirmed, the faulty neural tissue is ablated, creating a ‘popping’ effect that either stops or significantly reduces seizures,”

explained Dr. Praveen Gupta, Principal Director & Chief of Neurology, Fortis Hospital.

Also Read: Updates from the 15th IMWP That Indian Healthcare & Pharma Leaders Can’t Ignore

A Collective Effort for a Healthier Future

The fight against epilepsy in India requires a collective effort from healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public. Increasing awareness about advanced treatment options, reducing stigma, and enhancing accessibility to specialized epilepsy centers can significantly improve the lives of millions battling epilepsy.

With cutting-edge neuro-robotic technology and multi-disciplinary interventions, India is stepping into a new era of epilepsy care, bringing hope to patients who have long struggled with the condition. Experts continue to advocate for early diagnosis, comprehensive treatment, and social inclusion, ensuring that epilepsy patients receive the holistic care they deserve.

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