Advanced Centre for Neurosciences & also one of the best neurology hospital in J.P Nagar, Bangalore - Aster RV hospital, comprises top neurologists, neurosurgeons,neuroanaesthesists and interventional neuroradiologist in Bangalore, providing a holistic care round the clock, catering to a wide range of ailments related to brain, spine and peripheral nervous system like stroke, epilepsy, demyelination, trauma, brain tumours, aneurysm, brain infections, hydrocephalus, prolapsed disc, listhesis, brachial plexus injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome etc.
The department has top, trained super specialists with vast experience and are ably aided by state of the art technology like IOMRI, Neuronavigation, 3-D C-Arm, Video EEG, Intra op Neuromonitoring, Hybrid Cath lab, 3 Tesla MRI to provide the best, safest and the latest form of treatment to patients.
Our Specialities
Through our 25+ specialities, we provide in-depth expertise in the spectrum of advance medical and surgical interventions. Our specialties are integrated to provide a seamless experience.
Facilities
Well equipped with the latest medical equipment, modern technology & infrastructure, Aster Hospital is one of the best hospitals in India.
Faqs
Want to find out more about the treatment? The answer to your questions can be found below.
What is a seizure?
A Seizure is a condition in which sudden, uncontrolled electrical irregularity occurs in our brain. It may cause changes in behavior, movements or feelings, and levels of consciousness.
How long do seizures usually last?
Usually, a seizure may last from a few seconds to a few minutes, based on the type of seizure.
If I have a seizure, then does it mean that I have epilepsy?
Not always. Seizures can also happen because of other medical problems. These problems include:
A high fever.
Alcohol or drug withdrawal.
Low blood sugar.
What are the steps for epilepsy surgery?
Once you are being considered for epilepsy surgery, you will have to undergo three major steps
Pre-surgical evaluation
consensus decision and
finally surgery
In pre-surgical evaluation, we decide the specific portions of your brain which are responsible for this epilepsy with different tests, clinical evaluations, etc. And a team of doctor specialists from various related fields meet together to discuss and reach a consensus about the type of surgery you will need. A final plan is decided in the multidisciplinary meeting.
How important is Epilepsy from a neurology department perspective?
Epilepsy, the fourth most common neurological disorder, affects people of all ages and can cause unpredictable seizures.
Could you specify the new drugs and therapy options accessible in the country?
The pharmacological armamentarium against epilepsy has expanded considerably over the last three decades, and currently includes over 30 different antiseizure medications. The new medications which have been added over the past decade by the FDA include Brivaracetam (Levetiracetam derivative), Perampanel (AMPA antagonist), Cenobamate (Carbamate derivative), Everolimus (Rapamycin derivative), Fenfluramine (Amphetamine derivative) and Cannabidiol (Cannabinoid). Among these Brivaracetam and Perampanel are available in India.
How easy is it to get the right qualified medical expertise and the related support staff to treat and manage the patients?
The treatment gap in epilepsy in India ranges from 22% in the urban setting to as high as 90% in villages. The treatment gap has 2 components- People unable to access healthcare services and People who do not adhere to appropriate medical therapy.
One million Indians have medically refractory seizures. Approximately 5 -6 lakh people are candidates for epilepsy surgery in India. Still... Just about 500-600 epilepsy surgeries per year are performed.
What is epilepsy?
Patients having two or more seizures or a tendency to have recurrent seizures, are termed to be having epilepsy.
What are the major types of seizures?
Sometimes it is difficult to determine when a person is having a seizure. A person with a seizure may look confused or as if they are staring at something that is not there. Other seizures can cause a person to fall, shake, and become unaware of what’s going on around them.
Seizures are classified into two groups.
Generalized seizures affect both sides of the brain.
Focal seizures affect just one area of the brain. These seizures are also called partial seizures.
What causes epilepsy?
Epilepsy can be caused due to various conditions that affect a person’s brain. Some known causes include:
Stroke
Brain tumor
Traumatic brain injury or head injury
The cause of epilepsy is unknown for 2 in 3 people. This kind of epilepsy is termed as cryptogenic or idiopathic.
Developmental anomalies of the brain
Hereditary causes
Loss of oxygen to your brain. Example: Birth time
What is pre-surgical evaluation for epilepsy surgery?
The pre-surgical evaluation consists of various domains. Most important is video EEG followed by investigations like MRI, PET scan, SPECT scan. This MRI scan performed here is not the regular MRI but a customized scan which will depend on recordings of your video EEG. A neuropsychological assessment is also a vital part of presurgical evaluation which gives important insight into the localization and potential problems you will be having after surgery. Once all these investigations are ready, it is generally discussed in meetings to reach a consensus about the plan.
What is the current scene in the country for Epilepsy in terms of patients and advances in treatment?
At the global level, it is estimated that nearly 70 million people suffer from epilepsy and the prevalence of epilepsy across the globe is estimated to be 5-9 per 1,000 population. There are 12 million people with epilepsy in India, contributing to 1/6th of global burden.
In majority of the people with epilepsy ie 70-80%, the seizures can be well-controlled by giving anti-epileptic drugs. The rest 20-30% have medically refractory epilepsy, in these patients advanced modalities of treatment such as dietary therapy, epilepsy surgery and neuromodulation are the emerging therapeutic options.
Are there any new clinical trials going on for epilepsy?
There are several medical and surgical trials going on for epilepsy treatment in the Western countries. Few of them are enlisted here:
- XEN1101 As Adjunctive Therapy In Focal-Onset Epilepsy
- Stereotactic Laser Ablation For Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
- Perampanel Study For Infants With Epilepsy
- Cannabidiol As An Add-On Therapy In Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
- Focused Ultrasound For Treatment Of Epilepsy
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