RA
1
1
Moderate severity
· Neurology
Epilepsy
Recurrent seizures · Electrical storms
Brain neurons fire abnormally in synchronized bursts, causing seizures. Two-thirds become seizure-free on the right medication.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- Over 10 million Indians
- Typical age
- Any age
- Outlook
- Often controllable
- System
- Brain
Reviewed by a verified Neurology doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Genetic predisposition
- Head injury, stroke, tumor
- Brain infection (TB, malaria)
- Birth-related injury
- Unknown in 50%
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Tonic-clonic shaking with loss of consciousness
- Brief blank stares (absence)
- Sudden jerks
- Sensory or motor focal seizures
- Confusion afterwards (post-ictal)
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Anti-epileptic drugs (levetiracetam, valproate)
- EEG and MRI to classify
- Vagus nerve stimulator if drug-resistant
- Epilepsy surgery in selected cases
- Ketogenic diet for some children
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Sleep regularly, avoid alcohol
- Identify and avoid triggers
- Take medication consistently
- Treat fever in children promptly
Do’s
- Take meds same time daily
- Wear medical ID
- Inform school / employer
- Bystander seizure-first-aid training
Don’ts
- Drive until seizure-free 1 year
- Swim alone
- Climb ladders unsupervised
- Stop meds suddenly — risk of crisis
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
Top specialists
See all neurology doctors Top 4 doctors for Epilepsy
Ranked by patient rating, years of experience and review volume. All verified by MediConsult’s clinical team.
RS
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.