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. Identifying early signs of epilepsy is crucial, and with prompt intervention and cutting-edge seizure treatment in Mumbai, individuals can receive timely care for better outcomes.
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
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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.
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.
In addition, Dr. Sawhney, a neurologist in Mumbai, will also ask the patient to undergo tests to verify the seizure’s cause. Based on the medical evaluation, a treatment plan can be made 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 to 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.
Types of Seizures
- 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.
- 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.
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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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Seizures rarely cause pain. In some cases, seizures might cause loss of consciousness. The patient will not experience any discomfort during the seizure.
The majority of seizures are unavoidable. However, patients may reduce them by avoiding triggers, including stress, excessive alcohol consumption, and illegal drugs. Patients should maintain a nutritious diet, remain hydrated, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly. Follow the doctor’s instructions for taking the medication.
Some people recover quickly, while others need minutes to hours to feel normal again. The type of seizure and the part of the brain the seizure impacts affect the recovery period.
A seizure will usually end within 1 to 2 minutes. It is deemed a medical emergency if it lasts more than 5 minutes. Take the patient to the hospital right away because it could be life-threatening or cause brain damage.
It would help if patients did not do life-threatening activities due to loss of consciousness, such as swimming, operating a power tool, taking a bath in a bathtub, and driving. Also, wearing a medical identification bracelet is beneficial as it will help emergency personnel treat the patients if they have another seizure.
Getting timely treatment for seizures is vital as their symptoms can worsen, and even the duration may increase. There are chances of coma or death due to prolonged seizures. Also, during a seizure, patients may fall and get injured.