Seizures are episodes of abnormally stimulated electrical signals in the brain that produce a disruption in brain function. Recurrent seizures induced by excessive firing in brain cells resulting in short-circuiting of brain circuits are referred to as epilepsy.
Seizure is not a psychological condition. It is important to note that just because someone is having seizures doesn't mean they are epileptic. This can only be determined through comprehensive evaluation and screening.
Dr. Gurneet Singh Sawhney, one of the best neurosurgeon in Mumbai, is committed to offering expert care to patients suffering from seizures. He provides a wide range of effective seizure treatments in Mumbai.
Continue reading this article to know about seizures, their symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and more.
Symptoms of Seizures
With medical developments, it is now possible to manage epilepsy and lessen its symptoms even further. To deal with epilepsy, it is also essential to spot the signs early and treat them as soon as possible.
Symptoms differ from person to person, depending on how the brain functions and how much neuronal discharge is produced. The following are the most prevalent warning signs:
- Staring spells
- Loss of alertness
- Strange sensation
Causes of Seizures
Seizures can occur due to several health conditions that may disturb the brain, which include:
- Brain or head injury
- Brain injury before or during birth
- Meningitis
- Alzheimer’s disease or dementia
- Lupus
- Heart problems
- Stroke
- Brain tumor
- Epilepsy
- Extreme high blood pressure
- Low blood glucose levels
- Fever
There can be genetic causes, so inform the doctor if anyone in your family has a history of seizures.
Types of Seizures
1. Focal onset seizures
These are also known as partial-onset seizures, starting in one portion of the brain. If the patient is aware that they have a seizure, it is classified into a focal aware seizure and a focal impaired awareness seizure.
2. Generalized onset seizures
Seizures that start on both sides of the brain simultaneously are known as generalized onset seizures. The most common types are:
- Tonic-clonic seizures can last for a few minutes and have severe symptoms such as loss of consciousness and uncontrolled movements.
- Atonic seizures are brief and make your muscles go limp.
- Absence seizures last for a few seconds and can cause the patient to repeatedly stare into space or blink.
Now, let’s discuss about,
Diagnosis and Treatment of Seizures
Patients can prevent severe seizure complications if they are diagnosed and treated early. Diagnosing the seizure type can be difficult without proper evaluation. So, Dr. Gurneet Singh Sawhney, one of the leading neurosurgeon in India, will thoroughly review the patient’s medical history and symptoms.
Besides, Dr Sawhney will also ask the patient to undergo tests to verify the seizure’s cause. Based on the medical evaluation, Dr Sawhney can make a treatment plan based on the type of seizure that the patient experiences.
The diagnostic tests may include blood tests to check for electrolyte imbalance, toxicology screening, and spinal tap. Further, Dr Sawhney, a seasoned seizure specialist in Mumbai, may ask the patient to undergo an electroencephalogram (EEG). This test measures the brain waves, and reviewing the brain waves during a seizure can help diagnose the type of seizure.
The patient will also have to do a CT scan or MRI scan as these imaging scans provide a clear picture of the brain. The doctor can check for a tumor or blocked blood flow in the brain.
If anti-seizure medications aren’t successful, other treatments might be an option:
- Surgery: Surgery aims to end the occurrence of seizures. Surgeons locate and operate the area of the brain where seizures occur. Surgery works best for patients who have seizures continuously instigated in the same area in their brains.
- Vagus Nerve Stimulation: A device rooted underneath the skin of the chest rouses the vagus nerve in the neck, sending signals to the brain that prevent seizures. With vagus nerve stimulation, the patient will still need to take medication, but they might lower the dose.
- Responsive Neurostimulation: The neurosurgeon places a device on the brain's surface or within brain tissue to detect seizure activity and then applies electrical stimulation to stop the seizure.
- Deep Brain Stimulation: The neurosurgeon inserts electrodes within definite brain areas to create electrical impulses that control abnormal brain activity. The electrodes are attached to a pacemaker-like device placed under the skin of the chest, which regulates the amount of stimulation produced.
- Dietary Therapy: A ketogenic diet, high in fat and low in carbohydrates, can help in seizure control. Though less effective than the ketogenic diet, modifications on a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet, such as the low glycemic index and modified Atkins diets, aren't as restrictive as the ketogenic diet and may help.
Above, we have discussed the treatment options for seizures. After a complete evaluation and assessment of all the diagnostic information, Dr. Gurneet Singh Sawhney, an experienced neurosurgeon, will recommend the best seizure treatment program in Mumbai for you.
Why Choose Dr. Gurneet Sawhney for Seizure Treatment in Mumbai?
- Dr. Gurneet Sawhney provides adults and children with seizure disorders with comprehensive and compassionate seizure treatment in Mumbai. He works hard to achieve the best results possible, eventually improving patients' quality of life.
- Besides, Dr. Sawhney delivers a super-specialized seizure treatment program in Mumbai.
- Moreover, Dr. Sawhney has a wealth of knowledge, skills, and dedication for giving the best possible patient care.
- Dr. Sawhney provides round-the-clock, comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic neurology services following evidence-based protocols.
- Furthermore, Dr. Sawhney provides holistic and integrated care to help patients combat seizures by combining advanced and result-oriented seizure treatment in Mumbai.
