Epilepsy Surgery

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological condition in which brain activity becomes aberrant, resulting in seizures or episodes of disturbing behavior, feelings, and occasionally loss of awareness.

Epilepsy can be caused by a genetic condition or an acquired brain injury such as a stroke or trauma.

A person has anomalous behavior, symptoms, and sensations during a seizure, which might include loss of consciousness. Between seizures, there are few symptoms.

Epilepsy is normally treated with medicine, however, it can also be treated with surgery, gadgets, or dietary modifications in some circumstances.

What Are the Causes of Epilepsy?

Seizures that are more severe can produce:

Muscle spasms
Involuntary twitches
Disorientation
Loss of consciousness
No recollection afterward

Possible causes include:

Head Trauma
High Fever
Extreme low blood sugar
Alcohol withdrawal
Brain hemorrhage
Brain tumor
Abnormal brain blood vessels
Birth defects in the brain

Factors That Can Affect Epilepsy Surgery Cost In India

Medication costs
Duration of treatment
Geographical location
Hospitalization expenses
Government policies and subsidies
Hospital reputation and infrastructure
The expertise and experience of medical professionals
The type and frequency of diagnostic procedures
The choice of treatment modality

What Are The Symptoms of Epilepsy?

Epilepsy symptoms vary but may include:

Temporary uncertainty
A staring spell
Muscle spasms
Jerking movements
Loss of awareness
Psychological symptoms like fear and anxiety

Seizures are divided into two types:

Focal
Generalized

Procedure

How is Diagnosis of Epilepsy Done?

Steps include:

Medical history and blood tests
Neurological exams like EEG, CT, fMRI, SPECT, PET
Seizure type classification
Determining epilepsy cause
Selecting appropriate therapy

What is Epilepsy Surgery?

Epilepsy surgery involves removing a portion of the brain from which seizures occur. It is most effective when seizures originate from a single brain region. Considered when at least two anti-seizure medications fail.

Success rate is high and can significantly improve quality of life.

Types of Epilepsy Surgery

Surgery type depends on seizure origin and patient’s age. Types include:

Resective Surgery

Most common
Removes tissue from the brain where seizures begin
Temporal lobe most frequently targeted

LITT (Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy)

Minimally invasive
Laser destroys small brain tissue sections
MRI-guided

Hemispherectomy

Removes one hemisphere's cerebral cortex
Usually for children with widespread one-hemisphere seizures

Corpus Callosotomy

Cuts the corpus callosum
Prevents seizure signals from traveling between hemispheres
Often used in children

Suggestion

Surgery is beneficial for patients unresponsive to medication, particularly if seizures originate in a specific brain area. Neurologists help determine the best option.

Risks include:

Infection
Hemorrhage
Cognitive changes

Benefits and risks must be carefully weighed.

The Most Important Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can Surgery Cure Epilepsy Permanently?
A: Temporal lobectomy is the most effective. It can reduce seizures and prevent lasting damage.

Q: Why Do People Get Epilepsy?
A: In older adults, causes include stroke or brain tumor. Other causes: genetics, brain infections, prenatal injury. In about half, the cause is unknown.

Q: What Part of the Brain Is Cut to Treat Epilepsy?
A: Corpus callosotomy cuts the fibers linking brain halves to stop seizure spread.

Q: What Are the Side Effects of Epilepsy Surgery?
A: Memory loss, partial blindness, depression, emotional changes. Effects vary and may be temporary.

Q: Can You Lead a Normal Life with Epilepsy?
A: Yes, most people do. Best seizure control and safety practices reduce risks.