Life beyond Epilepsy
Jayanti Mani
Neurologist
What is epilepsy?
• Epilepsy is a brain disorder
• Person has repeated “seizures” or “fits”
What is a fit or seizure?
Are there many types of seizures?
• Seizure can be of many types– Blank stare only– Confused behavior
– Jerking or twitching of muscles – Violent body shaking with unconsciousness
• Everything that shakes is not a seizure– Pseudoseizures– syncope
Is epilepsy common?
• 2nd commonest brain problem after headache
• 1/100 have at least one fit in their life• 1/200 have epilepsy
• Can start at any age
What tests?
EEG
• Records brain waves
• Usually takes one hour
• May be normal in person with epilepsy
• Repeated tests
Treatment : Medications
– More than 10 types of Medicines available– Doses of each medicine different– Same medicine available as different brands
– NEVER MISS YOUR MEDICINE– NEVER STOP MEDICINES ABRUPTLY– 60% persons are well on one drug
– Others may require two or three drugs
Some precautions
• Ask your doctor about allergy/side effects• Ensure regular SLEEP• Discuss DRIVING/ SWIMMING with your doctor
• PREGNANCY– Ask doctor about safe drugs – NEVER STOP MEDICINES ABRUPTLY
– RISKS to baby from medicines MINIMAL– These can be tested during pregnancy
What if medicines fail?
• Check correct medicine and dose with doctor
• 20-30% patients have seizures inspite of medicines.– Ketogenic Diet
– Surgery• Can be very effective and even cure epilepsy in
some patients• Video EEG and Repeat MRI
– Vagal Nerve Stimulator
• Most patients with epilepsy– Can pursue studies– Can hold regular jobs
– Participate in most sports– Enjoy hobbies and leisure activity– Marry and have children– ACHIEVE DESPITE EPILEPSY
Lead a normal life!!
Leonardo Da Vinci
Napolean
Julius Ceasar
Achieve despite Epilepsy
Epilepsy service at KDAHThe Team The Facilities
• Epileptologist• Pediatric Neurologist• Neurophysiologist• Epilepsy Surgeon• Neuroradiologist• Psychiatrist • Psychologist
• EEG • 3 Tesla MRI• Video EEG Telemetry• SPECT/PET• Intraoperative MRI• 24 hour Emergency• Well equipped ICU
EPILEPSY SUPPORT GROUP at KDAH
Life beyond Epilepsy
Dr.Shekhar Patil
Pediatric Neurologist
• Why does my child have epilepsy?
• Is it my fault?
• Will my child grow out of the epilepsy?
• Febrile seizures
• Seizure mimicsBreath Holding spasms
• Bullying & Teasing at school
• Keep a positive outlook
• Epilepsy & Learning
• Epilepsy & Behaviour
First Aid
• Watch the clock!!!• Call ambulance if
– Vigorous shaking for more than 2 min
– Two or more attacks in succession
Life beyond Epilepsy
Dr. Bhaskara Rao Malla
Neurosurgeon
250,000,000 : One seizure in a life time 50,000,000 : People with active epilepsy 42,000,000 : PWE in the developing countries 2,500,000 : New cases each year
70% of PWE can be seizure free with treatment80% of AEDs sold in 20% of countries80% of are not properly diagnosed or treated
Epilepsy : The facts and figures
Epilepsy surgery in India
1951
Jacob Chandy &Baldev SinghCMC, Vellore
B.Ramamurthi & ST Narasimhan
MGH, Madras
• Seizure freedom after surgery : 70%• Off medication after surgery : 30%
Epilepsy Care Program
Epilepsy is curable
Epilepsy service at KDAHThe Team The Facilities
• Epileptologist• Pediatric Neurologist• Neurophysiologist• Epilepsy Surgeon• Neuroradiologist• Psychiatrist • Psychologist
• EEG • 3 Tesla MRI• Video EEG Telemetry• SPECT/PET• Intraoperative MRI• 24 hour Emergency• Well equipped ICU
EPILEPSY SUPPORT GROUP at KDAH