Epilepsy is classified into categories based on the type of seizures experienced by the individual. There are three key categories of epilepsies:

• Focal Onset Seizures wherein the abnormal electrical activity is focused on one area/ side of the brain and can happen with or without the individual losing consciousness.
• Generalized Onset Seizures wherein the abnormal electrical activity involves all area of the brain from the beginning of the seizure.
• Combined Generalized & Focal Seizures, a more complex type, wherein individuals experience both types of seizure patterns.

If left untreated or uncontrolled, epilepsy has long-term consequences including higher risks of mortality, accidents, physical injuries, behavioral issues, and disabilities. In fact, the risk of premature death among those with epilepsy is 3 times higher than the general population.

Common Symptoms People Ignore

Epilepsy and seizure disorders are often associated only with generalized convulsions wherein the individual experiences uncontrolled, rhythmic jerking or shaking of their legs or hands.

However, there are several other common symptoms that people don’t associate with Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders and tend to ignore. Here are a few of these Epilepsy and Seizure Disorder symptoms:

• Sudden blackouts or (temporary) loss of consciousness
• Muscle stiffness in arms, back, or legs
• Blank stare or staring into space look even for a few seconds
• Quick twitching, numbness, or tingling of specific muscles
• Loss of muscular control or dropping to the ground
• Repeated, involuntary behaviors like:
  • Teeth grinding
  • Lip smacking
  • Chewing
  • Fidgeting
  • Drooling
  • Hand rubbing,
  • Picking at clothes, etc.
• Loss of bladder control or involuntary urination
• Sudden emotional changes (fear, confusion, joy or anxiety)
• Sudden sensory changes:
  • Hearing buzzing or other sounds
  • Seeing light flashes  
  • Tasting things that aren’t there
• Waking up with unexplained bruises or bitten tongue

When to Worry?

Most seizures are not immediately life-threatening but certain red flags indicate that the brain is in severe distress. If you notice any of these red flags, immediate medical attention is necessary:

• Person is having a seizure for the first time
• Seizure lasts more than 5 minutes
• Second seizure happens immediately after the first
• Person is having difficulty breathing
• Person appears to be choked after the shaking stops
• Seizure occurred in water (swimming pool or a water body)
• Seizure cause head injury or bleeding
• Seizure is accompanied by a high fever
• Person is diabetic or pregnant

If you or a loved one already has a seizure management plan but notice a change in your seizure pattern, frequency, severity, or symptoms, you should consult a neurologist to ensure there are no complications and optimize your treatment plan.

How is Diagnosis Done?

Precision is everything in epilepsy care and a rigorous diagnostic protocol helps distinguish between different seizure types and seizure mimics.

Clinical Consultation: The neurologist will interact with the patient or the guardian to understand their concern and gather information about symptoms and the patient’s medical history. Since seizures are rarely seen in the clinic, witness accounts or phone videos from family members are incredibly helpful.

Clinical Examination: The doctor will conduct a thorough physical examinations and order blood work to rule out metabolic and other causes.

Advanced Diagnostic Tests: To effectively diagnose the condition, the doctor may order a Brain MRI or CT, Electroencephalography (EEG) or Video EEG, genetic testing, PET scans, spinal tap or other tests where genuinely necessary. These tests help the neurologist understand the affected areas in the brain, identify abnormalities, and accordingly create treatment plans.

Epilepsy, Fits And Seizure Treatment In New Delhi

The goal of epilepsy treatment is not just to stop seizures, but to restore a sense of normalcy and safety to your life. Dr. Rahul Chawla, Best Doctor For Epilepsy Management in Vasant Kunj, follows a structured, evidence-based approach to epilepsy control and management.

The First-Seizure Protocol: The neurologist may not always start seizure treatments if you have just had one seizure. They will focus on treating any underlying conditions for non-epileptic seizures. For an unprovoked first seizure, they will identify the underlying root causes and risk factors of epilepsy. If you are diagnosed with epilepsy, the primary focus of treatments is to completely eliminate or reduce unprovoked seizures.

Anti-Seizure Medication: These are the main line of treatment for epilepsy control and management. The medication plan is highly individualized based on the type of seizures, general health, prior response to medications, potential interaction with other medicines, and other factors.

Surgical Interventions: If seizures are debilitating and uncontrolled and anti-seizure medications are proving to be ineffective, the neurologist may suggest surgical interventions including implantation of neuromodulation/ neurostimulation devices, removal of abnormal tissues, targeted destruction of abnormal tissues, and so on.

Dietary Therapy: The doctor may prescribe a ketogenic diet (high fat, low carbohydrate diet) for improved seizure management.

Continuous Monitoring: The neurologist will monitor your condition and review your medication atleast once a year to ensure that the treatment plan is working effectively.

Common Myths About Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders

Myth	Fact
Epilepsy is contagious.	Epilepsy is a chronic, non-communicable brain disorder, not a contagious disease like a flu or common cold. You can be genetically predisposed to epilepsy but you cannot contract it from another person. This disorder is caused by genetic, structural, or metabolic factors in your brain.
Epilepsy is a mental illness.	Epilepsy is a neurological condition caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain and NOT a mental illness. It can affect anyone across age groups and ethnicities, regardless of their mental health. While it is not a mental illness, the stress of living with seizures can lead to anxiety or depression. When uncontrolled in children, it may cause developmental delays and intellectual disabilities.
Seizures are just violent convulsions or uncontrolled shaking of hands or legs.	Seizures present themselves in diverse ways, not just as uncontrolled jerking of hands or legs. Other symptoms may include muscle stiffness, loss of muscle control, loss of consciousness, empty staring, sudden emotional changes, sudden sensory changes, repetitive involuntary behaviors, and so on.
You should put something in the person’s mouth during a seizure.	Never put anything in the mouth of someone experiencing a seizure as you could end up hurting them more (broken teeth, choking or a bitten finger). It is advised to roll the person onto one side to clear their airway and place something soft under their head, waiting until they gain consciousness.
People with epilepsy cannot lead normal lives.	Epilepsy is manageable. Most people with epilepsy have successful careers, families, and active social lives when effectively treated and managed. With proper guidance and continuous monitoring by experts like Dr. Rahul Chawla, a specialized epilepsy doctor in Delhi, you can have maintain seizure control and experience independence.

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