Neurology

| 04 December 2025

 

Epilepsy Symptoms and Treatments - Diagnose Epilepsy

Epilepsy ranks among the most prevalent neurological disorders globally, impacting individuals of all ages and demographics.  Epilepsy is a complex condition marked by recurrent seizures resulting from abnormal brain electrical activity, and it can significantly affect an individual’s daily life.  The diagnosis can be difficult to cope with, but modern medical advancements have made effective management of epilepsy possible through the right mix of treatment, lifestyle adjustments, and support.

This blog will provide a thorough examination of epilepsy, including its symptoms and causes, as well as the different treatment options that are currently available.

 

What Is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a long-term neurological disorder characterized by recurrent and unprovoked seizures.  A seizure happens due to a rapid increase in the brain's electrical activity, which causes temporary alterations in behavior, movement, sensation, or awareness.

It is crucial to emphasize that not every seizure points to epilepsy; a diagnosis requires the individual to have experienced at least two unprovoked seizures, with a minimum interval of 24 hours between them.

Epilepsy encompasses a range of disorders, each with different causes, symptoms, and outcomes, rather than being one single disease.  Its severity can vary from mild, infrequent seizures to daily debilitating episodes that disrupt normal life.

 

What Causes Epilepsy?

There are various causes of epilepsy, and in numerous instances, these causes are still unidentified.  Medical research, however, identifies various potential factors that could contribute to its development:

 

1. Genetic Factors

Certain forms of epilepsy are familial, suggesting a genetic predisposition.  While certain genes can increase the brain's vulnerability to abnormal electrical activity, environmental factors frequently contribute to the onset of seizures.

 

2. Brain Injury

Brain tissue can be damaged by traumatic brain injuries incurred from accidents, sports, or falls, resulting in seizures later in life.  Post-traumatic epilepsy is the name for this kind of epilepsy.

 

3. Stroke

A stroke can interrupt normal brain activity and heighten the risk of developing epilepsy, particularly in older adults. In elderly people, epilepsy due to stroke is one of the most frequent causes.

 

4. Brain Infections

Infections like meningitis, encephalitis, and neurocysticercosis (a brain parasitic infection) can lead to brain inflammation and scarring, potentially resulting in epilepsy.

 

5. Developmental Disorders

In particular among children, conditions such as autism spectrum disorder and neurodevelopmental delays are sometimes linked to epilepsy.

 

6. Brain Tumors or Structural Abnormalities

Abnormal growths such as tumors or cysts, or congenital malformations of the brain, can disrupt normal brain function and cause seizures to recur.

 

Nevertheless, in numerous instances, the etiology is idiopathic. This indicates that even after exhaustive medical assessment, no particular underlying cause can be identified.

 

Recognizing the Symptoms of Epilepsy

Epilepsy presents itself in various ways depending on the person.  The characteristics and intensity of seizures vary based on the specific area of the brain that is impacted.  The principal seizure types and their usual symptoms are listed below:

 

1. Focal (Partial) Seizures

Focal seizures start in a specific region of the brain and can be categorized as:

• Simple focal seizures – The individual stays aware but can have strange sensations, like abrupt feelings, tingling, or warped visuals.
• Complex focal seizures – These impact awareness, resulting in confusion, periods of intense gazing, or actions that are repeated, such as rubbing hands or smacking lips.

 

2. Generalized Seizures

These seizures affect both hemispheres of the brain and may result in:

• Absence seizures (Petit Mal) – Short lapses in awareness that are often confused with daydreaming, particularly in children.
• Tonic seizures – Abrupt onset of muscle stiffness or rigidity.
• Atonic seizures – A sudden decrease in muscle tone leads to the individual falling down.
• Clonic seizures – Characterized by repeated jerking motions of the arms and legs.
• Myoclonic seizures – Sudden and short-lived muscle spasms.
• Tonic-clonic seizures (also known as Grand Mal) –  The most recognized kind, resulting in unconsciousness, bodily rigidity, and seizures.

 

3. Other Symptoms

Alongside seizures, individuals with epilepsy might encounter:

• Short-term disorientation or forgetfulness
• Uncommon sensations (taste, smell, or auditory)
• Lack of awareness or consciousness
• Emotional shifts, like fear or anxiety prior to a seizure (referred to as an aura)

It is essential to identify these symptoms early and to pursue medical assistance in order to achieve a timely diagnosis and treatment.

 

How Is Epilepsy Diagnosed?

The process of diagnosing epilepsy includes an assessment of medical history, neurological examinations, and specialized testing.  The goal of physicians is to identify the cause, type of seizure, and most effective treatment method.

 

1. Medical and Family History

By engaging in a thorough discussion of seizure episodes, triggers, and family history, physicians can gain insights into the nature of the condition.

 

2. Neurological Examination

A neurologist looks for indications of brain dysfunction, including motor coordination, reflexes, and sensory response.

 

3. Electroencephalogram (EEG)

The most widely used diagnostic tool for epilepsy is the EEG.  It monitors the electrical activity of the brain and can uncover irregular patterns linked to seizures.

 

4. Brain Imaging Tests

Methods such as MRI or CT scans can assist in identifying structural irregularities, like tumors or scar tissue, that could be responsible for seizures.

 

5. Blood Tests

These assist in recognizing underlying conditions, infections, or genetic factors that contribute to epilepsy.

It is crucial to make a precise diagnosis in order to develop a customized treatment plan that meets the needs of each individual patient.

 

Treatment Options for Epilepsy

Even though epilepsy is not always curable, in most cases it can be effectively managed.  The aim of treatment is to control seizures, reduce side effects, and enhance quality of life.

 

1. Anti-Seizure Medications (ASMs)

For most patients with epilepsy, the first treatment option is medications.  Medications like valproic acid, carbamazepine, levetiracetam, and lamotrigine assist in controlling seizures for up to 70% of individuals.

It is crucial to have regular follow-ups with a neurologist in order to adjust the dosage and keep an eye on side effects such as fatigue, dizziness, or mood changes.

 

2. Surgery

In cases where patients do not show a response to medications, epilepsy surgery could be an option.  The most frequent types include:

• Resective surgery: Extraction of the brain region responsible for seizures.
• Laser ablation: A technique with minimal invasiveness that employs laser energy to eliminate abnormal tissue.
• Corpus callosotomy: Severing the links between the two hemispheres to stop seizures from spreading.

 

3. Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)

A tiny device that is placed beneath the skin delivers electrical impulses to the vagus nerve, which decreases how often seizures occur.

 

4. Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS)

This sophisticated apparatus keeps track of brain activity and provides electrical stimulation upon detecting irregular signals, thus averting seizures before their onset.

 

5. Dietary Therapy

For children with drug-resistant epilepsy, the ketogenic diet, which is characterized by high fat and low carbohydrate content, has shown to be beneficial.  Adults may also benefit from modified versions like the Atkins diet.

 

6. Lifestyle Modifications

Making certain changes to one’s lifestyle can considerably enhance the management of seizures:

• Keeping a consistent sleep schedule
• Handling stress via relaxation methods or yoga
• Staying away from alcohol and recreational drugs
• Consistent use of medications
• Maintaining a seizure diary to monitor triggers

 

7. Psychological and Social Support

It can be emotionally difficult to live with epilepsy.  Patients and families can manage the condition more effectively with the help of counseling, support groups, and educational resources.

 

Prognosis and Outlook

Most individuals with epilepsy can lead full and active lives with the appropriate treatment plan.  Approximately 66% of patients attain long-term control of seizures using only medication.  For some, the results of newer surgical and neurostimulation methods are promising.

Successful management of epilepsy relies on early diagnosis, treatment adherence, and support from healthcare professionals.

 

Migraine vs. Headache: What’s the Difference?

 

When to Seek Emergency Help

Call emergency services if:

• A seizure persists for over five minutes
• There are several seizures, with no recovery phases in between.
• The individual has injuries, is pregnant, or suffers from diabetes.
• Post-seizure, breathing becomes difficult.
• In critical situations, prompt medical care can save lives.

We at Jaslok Hospital recognize that epilepsy is complex. Our Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery offers thorough, patient-focused treatment.  Our skilled neurologists, neurosurgeons, and epileptologists provide sophisticated diagnostic methods, personalized treatment strategies, and state-of-the-art interventions like epilepsy surgery, VNS therapy, and neurostimulation.  Jaslok Hospital continues to be one of the best hospitals for neurology in Mumbai, thanks to its cutting-edge technology and compassionate care, which have contributed to its neurological excellence.

If you or someone close to you has epilepsy, contact Jaslok Hospital for professional advice and top-notch treatment.