Causes of Epilepsy:

Epilepsy can have various underlying causes, although in many cases, the exact cause is unknown. Common causes include:

1. Genetic Factors:

   • Some forms of epilepsy are linked to inherited genetic mutations or syndromes.

2. Brain Injuries or Trauma:

   • Traumatic brain injuries from accidents or falls can lead to the development of epilepsy.

3. Stroke:

   • Strokes, particularly those affecting the brain’s cortex, can damage brain tissue and lead to seizures.

4. Infections:

   • Infections like meningitis, encephalitis, or neurocysticercosis (a parasitic infection) can cause inflammation or scarring in the brain, which can lead to epilepsy.

5. Developmental Disorders:

   • Some people are born with brain malformations or structural abnormalities, which can trigger seizures.

6. Tumors or Brain Lesions:

   • Brain tumors, cysts, or vascular malformations can cause seizures by disrupting normal brain activity.

7. Neurodegenerative Diseases:

   • Conditions like Alzheimer’s disease may lead to epilepsy later in life.

8. Febrile Seizures:

   • Seizures brought on by high fever in children can sometimes develop into epilepsy, especially if they are prolonged or complex.

Signs and Symptoms of Epilepsy:

Epilepsy is characterized by recurrent seizures, and the symptoms can vary depending on the type of seizure:

1. Focal (Partial) Seizures:

   • Simple Focal Seizures: Limited to one part of the brain; may involve twitching, changes in sensation (e.g., taste or smell), or dizziness without loss of consciousness.
   • Complex Focal Seizures: Involve changes in awareness, and the person may engage in repetitive behaviors or have difficulty responding to their environment.

2. Generalized Seizures:

   • Tonic-Clonic Seizures: These involve a loss of consciousness, body stiffening (tonic phase), and jerking movements (clonic phase). Often followed by confusion or fatigue.
   • Absence Seizures: Brief lapses in awareness, where the person may stare blankly for a few seconds.
   • Atonic Seizures: Sudden loss of muscle control, which can result in falls.
   • Myoclonic Seizures: Brief, shock-like jerks of muscles in the arms, legs, or upper body.

3. Aura:

   • Some people with epilepsy experience an “aura” before a seizure, which may include strange sensations, smells, or feelings.

4. Postictal State:

   • After a seizure, people may experience confusion, fatigue, or memory loss, especially following generalized seizures.

Treatment Options for Epilepsy:

1. Medication (Antiepileptic Drugs):

   • The first line of treatment for epilepsy is often medication to control or reduce the frequency of seizures. However, for some people, medications may not effectively control seizures, leading to consideration of surgery.

2. Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS):

   • A device is implanted under the skin of the chest, sending electrical impulses to the vagus nerve in the neck to reduce the frequency of seizures.

3. Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS):

   • A device implanted in the brain detects abnormal electrical activity and delivers stimulation to stop the seizure before it happens.

4. Ketogenic Diet:

   • A high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet may be used, especially for children with certain types of epilepsy, to reduce seizure frequency.

Surgical Options for Epilepsy:

1. Resective Surgery:

   • Temporal Lobectomy: The most common epilepsy surgery, especially for people with temporal lobe epilepsy. A portion of the temporal lobe, where seizures often originate, is removed.
   • Lesionectomy: Removal of abnormal brain tissue, such as a tumor, malformation, or damaged area, that is triggering seizures.

2. Corpus Callosotomy:

   • Involves cutting the corpus callosum, the part of the brain that connects the two hemispheres. This prevents the spread of seizure activity between the two sides of the brain, particularly in patients with generalized seizures.

3. Functional Hemispherectomy:

   • This is a more radical procedure that involves disconnecting or removing a significant portion of one hemisphere of the brain, typically performed in children with severe epilepsy affecting one hemisphere.

4. Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT):

   • A minimally invasive procedure using laser technology to target and destroy specific brain tissue that is causing seizures.

5. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS):

   • Electrodes are implanted in specific brain regions, and electrical impulses are used to regulate abnormal brain activity, reducing the frequency of seizures.

Consulting Dr. Tanusree Chakraborty:

Dr. Tanusree Chakraborty is experienced in the management of neurological conditions, including epilepsy. She can provide comprehensive assessments to determine the cause of epilepsy, evaluate whether surgery is a suitable option, and guide patients through the process. If surgery is deemed appropriate, Dr. Chakraborty will discuss the risks, benefits, and expected outcomes, ensuring patients receive the most effective treatment for their condition.

For those with drug-resistant epilepsy or complex cases, consulting Dr. Chakraborty will offer insights into advanced treatments and surgical interventions tailored to improve seizure control and quality of life.

Would you like more information on how to schedule a consultation with her or specific details about epilepsy surgery? Contact Us