Epilepsy Treatment in Ahmedabad
Understand epilepsy
What happens in a seizure — step by step
A simple, step-by-step look at what happens in the brain during a seizure, the main types of seizure and how epilepsy is diagnosed and treated.
Step 1 / 9
What is epilepsy
Types of seizure
Care
What it is
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a condition of the brain in which a person has repeated seizures. A seizure happens when there is a sudden burst of electrical activity in the brain. For a short time it can change how a person moves, behaves, feels or how aware they are of their surroundings.
Having one seizure does not always mean epilepsy. It is usually diagnosed when seizures happen more than once without another clear cause, such as a high fever or very low blood sugar.
Common types of seizure
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Focal seizure
Starts in one part of the brain. Awareness may stay or may change.
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Generalised (tonic-clonic) seizure
Both sides of the brain. Stiffening, falling and jerking of the arms and legs.
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Absence seizure
A blank stare for a few seconds, often mistaken for daydreaming. More common in children.
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Febrile seizure (fits with fever)
Common between about 6 months and 5 years. Most of these children do not go on to have epilepsy.
Common symptoms
Signs you may notice
Symptoms differ from person to person. You may notice one or more of these.
- Sudden jerking or shaking of the arms and legs
- Stiffening of the body and falling
- Staring spells or blank moments
- Short periods of confusion or not responding
- Unusual feelings, smells or sensations just before an attack
- Tongue biting or loss of bladder control during an attack
- Tiredness, headache or confusion after an attack
Not sure if this is what you have? Talk to Dr. Mehta
When to see a neurologist
When to book a consultation
Book a visit if
- 01After a first seizure, even if it stopped on its own
- 02If seizures keep happening while you are on medicines
- 03If you have side effects from your seizure medicines
- 04If you are planning a pregnancy while taking seizure medicines
- 05If a child has blank spells, unusual movements or fits with fever
Go to the nearest emergency now if:
- A seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes
- One seizure follows another without the person waking up in between
- The person is injured, has trouble breathing or does not wake up
- The seizure happened in water, or the person is pregnant
Causes and risk factors
Why it happens
Knowing the cause helps choose the right treatment and lower the chance of it happening again.
Common triggers
- Missed medicines
- Lack of sleep
- Alcohol
- Stress
- Flashing lights (in some people)
- Fever or illness
Common causes and risk factors
- In many people no single clear cause is found
- Head injury or stroke
- Brain infections such as meningitis or encephalitis
- Problems at birth or with how the brain developed
- Brain tumours or other changes seen on a scan
- A family history of epilepsy
How it is diagnosed
Finding the cause
This is followed by a neurological examination. Dr. Mehta then advises only the tests that help find the cause and the type of seizure.
Bring to your first visit
It helps Dr. Mehta find the cause faster
- Previous reports, scans and prescriptions
- A list of the medicines you take now
- A phone video of the symptoms, if possible
- A family member who has seen the symptoms
History and examination
Diagnosis starts with a careful history — what happened before, during and after the attack.
EEG
Records the electrical activity of the brain.
MRI brain
Looks for changes in the brain that can cause seizures.
Blood tests
Checks for other causes and for medicine levels.
How it is treated
Treatment and follow-up
Treatment is planned for each person and reviewed at every visit — step by step, with each option explained clearly.
Step 01
Seizure medicines
Medicines chosen for your type of seizure, age and other health conditions. Many people need only one medicine.
Step 02
Regular follow-up
The dose is adjusted at follow-up visits, and side effects are checked. Medicines should never be stopped suddenly.
Reviewed at
every follow-up
Step 03
Avoiding triggers
Regular sleep, taking medicines on time and avoiding known triggers help reduce seizures.
Step 04
Further care when needed
If seizures continue despite medicines, Dr. Mehta guides you about specialised tests or referral.
Never stop or change medicines on your own — ask Dr. Mehta first.
Book AppointmentLiving with epilepsy
Everyday care for patients and family
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Tip 01
Take your medicines at the same time every day and keep a small stock at home
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Tip 02
Keep a seizure diary, and record a short video of any attack if possible
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Tip 03
Avoid swimming or bathing alone, and working at heights
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Tip 04
Ask Dr. Mehta about driving — the rules depend on how well seizures are controlled
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Tip 05
Tell family, teachers or colleagues what to do during a seizure
First aid during a seizure
- 1
Stay calm and note the time
- 2
Move hard or sharp objects away
- 3
Cushion the head with something soft
- 4
Turn the person on their side once the jerking stops
- 5
Do not put anything in the mouth or hold them down
- 6
Stay with them until they are fully awake
In children
How it can look in a child
Fits in children can look different. Some children have absence seizures, which look like daydreaming or blank staring for a few seconds and can affect schoolwork.
Fits with fever (febrile seizures) are common between about 6 months and 5 years of age. Most children with fever fits do not go on to have epilepsy, but a child should be checked after a first fit.
With an MD in Paediatrics, Dr. Mehta sees children with fits and guides parents through tests, treatment and school life.
Get your child checked if you notice
- Blank staring or daydreaming spells
- A fit with fever
- Changes in schoolwork
- A first fit of any kind
Where to consult
Consult in Ahmedabad or online
Three clinics in Ahmedabad, visiting clinics on fixed days, or consult by video from home. All clinics
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Ahmedabad · Naranpura
Solar Hospital
Binali-B, Opp. Torrent Power Office, Naranpura, Ahmedabad – 380013
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Ahmedabad · Navrangpura
Aartham Multi Super Speciality Hospital
16, Dr Vikram Sarabhai Marg, near Panjarapole Cross Road, L Colony, Ambawadi, Ahmedabad – 380015
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Ahmedabad · Bopal
Lilavati Clinic & Wellness
Shaligram Corporates, B/h Dishman Corporate House, C.J. Road, Ambli, Ahmedabad – 380058
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From home · Anywhere
Online / Video Consultation
Useful for follow-up visits and report reviews.
FAQ
Questions about epilepsy
For many people, yes. The right medicine, taken regularly at the correct dose, controls seizures in a large number of patients. Dr. Mehta reviews the response at each follow-up.
Not always. A single seizure can have other causes. Epilepsy is usually diagnosed when seizures happen more than once without another clear cause. A first seizure should still be checked by a neurologist.
It depends on the type of epilepsy and how well seizures are controlled. Some people can slowly stop medicines after a long seizure-free period, but only under a doctor's guidance — never stop them suddenly.
Yes. Many people with epilepsy marry and have healthy children. If you are planning a pregnancy, speak to Dr. Mehta first, as some medicines may need to be changed.
Yes. Dr. Mehta holds an MD in Paediatrics and a DrNB in Neurology, and sees children with fits, fever fits and absence seizures.
Dr. Rohan Mehta
Consultant Neurologist · Adult & Child
Appointments
Book an appointment
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