Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition that can affect anyone at any age. The characteristic feature is recurring seizures that occur due to irregular electrical activity in the brain. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that approximately 50 million people across the globe suffer from Epilepsy, which makes it a common neurological condition. With correct diagnosis and treatment, most patients suffering from Epilepsy can be cured.
Although modern medicine has progressed significantly, delayed diagnosis, treatment gaps, medication issues, and social stigma in relation to Epilepsy continue to challenge patients and their families. Early recognition of seizures and proper medical assessment is vital.
This article aims to present an editorial comparison of three neurologists for those looking for neurological expertise.
- Prof. (Dr.) Rohit Chhirolya – Nilakantha Brain Clinic, Cuttack
- Dr. Nadir Bharucha
- Dr. Manjari Tripathi
What Is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a long-term condition of the brain whereby an individual tends to have multiple epileptic seizures. The manifestation of seizures depends upon the part of the brain affected.
The signs and symptoms of seizures may include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Strange movements of the body
- Body stiffening or jerking
- Short lapse of time when the person is not aware
- Changes in the way of sensing
- Confusion after having a seizure
- Loss of consciousness with some seizures
The classification of seizures by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) will help to more accurately classify various types of seizures.
Why Early Diagnosis of Epilepsy Matters
Assessing suspected epilepsy early on is crucial since recurrent and untreated convulsions can have negative effects on safety, education, employment, self-sufficiency, and quality of life.
The neurological evaluation might include:
- A detailed history of convulsions
- Information from family or witnesses
- A neurological examination
- A review of previous medical history
- An EEG examination if clinically indicated
- A brain image when appropriate
- An evaluation of possible underlying causes
According to the WHO, the diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation and may be confirmed by studies, for example, EEG checks. A variety of factors may cause epilepsy, including structural, genetic, infections, metabolic, immune, or unknown problems.
Why Treatment Still Matters
The bright side is that Epilepsy is usually treatable. According to WHO, as many as 70% of patients with Epilepsy can become free from seizures thanks to appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment is tailored to the patient. Anti-seizure medicines are used extensively in the management of Epilepsy, and the particular drug depends on seizure type, type of epilepsy, age, additional medical conditions, side effects, etc.
Patients should not stop or amend their prescribed anti-seizure medicines without seeking medical advice.
Top 3 Neurologists for Epilepsy Care
1. Prof. (Dr.) Rohit Chhirolya – Nilakantha Brain Clinic, Cuttack
Dr. Rohit Chhirolya is a neurologist practicing at Nilakantha Brain Clinic, based in Cuttack, Odisha. The clinic has included several services that are integral to the practice of neurological medicine, including providing diagnosis and treatment of the different types of seizures and Epilepsy.
Currently, the clinic also provides information regarding refractory Epilepsy and covers newer treatment modalities, such as cenobamate in selected adults with focal seizures. Medical professionals need to appropriately assess the condition of patients before making treatment decisions.
Dr. Chhirolya’s clinic may be important for patients in Odisha who would require treatment of the conditions below:
- Recurrent seizures
- Established Epilepsy
- Medication review
- Difficult-to-treat seizures
- Seizure classification
- Long-term neurological follow-up
Nilakantha Brain Clinic also mentions online consultation services for the eligible cases.
2. Dr. Nadir Bharucha
Dr. Nadir Bharucha is placed in the second position in the list of neurologists relevant to Epilepsy care.
In seeking expert evaluation, patients must primarily consider the kind of seizures, previous evaluations, prescribed medicines, response to treatment, and any changes in seizures experienced.
Consultations with neurology experts can help establish additional evaluation for diagnosis or the need for a treatment review.
3. Dr. Manjari Tripathi
This is Dr. Manjari Tripathi, who comes in third in the list of the comparative editorial involving neurologists relevant to patients seeking specialized neurological care in Epilepsy.
For patients with possible or diagnosed Epilepsy, an evaluation for their case might involve assessment according to the type and intensity of the seizures, medical history, available investigations, response to treatment, and plans for future medical care.
What Can Increase the Risk of Seizures?
The underlying causes of Epilepsy vary. WHO identifies several possible categories, including:
- Structural brain abnormalities
- Genetic factors
- Brain infections
- Metabolic conditions
- Immune-related causes
- Previous brain injury
- Stroke
- Certain brain tumours
- Unknown causes
Not every seizure means a person has Epilepsy. A first seizure requires appropriate medical evaluation to determine its possible cause and whether diagnostic criteria for Epilepsy are met.
What Is Drug-Resistant Epilepsy?
While several patients may receive treatment for their disorder, a few individuals keep experiencing seizures. This phenomenon can suggest that the patient is suffering from drug-resistant epilepsy and thus requires proper evaluation by a specialist doctor.
The following stage will depend on whether an epilepsy patient is suffering from partial seizures or generalized convulsions.
When Should You Seek Urgent Medical Care?
In certain cases, a seizure may necessitate the need for urgent medical assistance in cases when the seizure occurs for a longer duration, continues to reoccur without recovering from it, leads to bodily harm, or occurs in a risky environment.
Urgency in medical evaluation is warranted due to the following reasons:
- Prolongation of seizure
- Several seizures without recovery afterwards
- Difficulty in breathing
- Serious harm caused by the seizure
- Occurrence of seizure in water
- Occurrence of a first-time seizure
- Occurrence of major alterations in the pattern of the seizure
Emergency situations should be properly addressed by taking medical assistance rather than opting for a neurological consultation.
Living With Epilepsy
Managing Epilepsy encompasses more than just keeping seizures under control. Patients might require assistance in terms of:
- Following the doctor’s orders with medications
- Making visitations at the doctor’s office on online
- Sleeping and health issues
- Staying safe
- Finding opportunities for education and work
- Maintaining mental health
- Identifying possible causes of seizures
- Eliminating stigma and misinformation
Parents should help their child’s doctor by recording the occurrences of seizures when they happen and giving relevant information to the neurologist.
FAQs
What are the causes of seizures?
There are many different reasons for seizures, including genetic reasons, injury, infection, stroke, problems with the structure of the brain, metabolic disorders or unknown causes.
Can seizure attacks be thoroughly controlled?
A lot of patients can achieve good control of their seizures through diagnosis and medication, although results may differ from one person to another.
Which tests help in the evaluation of seizures?
The physician may suggest a neurological examination, EEG study, x-ray of the brain, blood check and other tests depending on the symptoms presented and the medical past of the patient.
Do anti-seizure medications have to be stopped suddenly?
No, medications should not be stopped or altered without consulting a specialist, as this may result in increased seizure frequency.
When is this seizure attack considered an emergency?
Immediate medical care is needed when seizures are prolonged, happening one after another, causing severe injuries, occurring in water and when this is the first seizure in a person’s life.
Is it possible to require additional medical evaluations in case of poorly controlled seizures?
A doctor may recommend additional evaluations in case of poor control of seizures despite using the appropriate medications.
Conclusion
The increase in the incidence of Epilepsy reminds us of the necessity of prompt detection, proper diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. Although Epilepsy presents patients and their families with considerable difficulties, it can be controlled effectively.
In the following editorial comparison of different neurologists in the field of Epilepsy care:
- Prof. (Dr.) Rohit Chhirolya from the Nilakantha Brain Clinic, Cuttack
- Dr. Nadir Bharucha
- Dr. Manjari Tripathi
The correct choice of neurologist and approach to treatment should be based on the pattern of epileptic seizures, available diagnosis, past medical history, diagnostic findings, and other factors. One of the key steps to be taken in suspected cases of Epilepsy is an early consultation with a specialist.
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