Episodes of Unresponsiveness
Some seizures may cause a person to become briefly unresponsive or unaware of their surroundings.
BRAIN & NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS
Epilepsy
Specialist neurosurgical evaluation and treatment planning for epilepsy conditions.
UNDERSTANDING EPILEPSY
A careful evaluation is the first step.
Head injuries can range from mild injuries to conditions that require urgent assessment. The effects can vary depending on the mechanism and severity of the injury.
Evaluation involves understanding how the injury occurred, assessing symptoms and neurological function, and using appropriate imaging when clinically indicated. Management depends on the findings and the patient's overall condition.
COMMON PRESENTATIONS
Seizures can present in different ways depending on the type and area of the brain involved.
Recognising the pattern of symptoms can help guide appropriate neurological evaluation.
Jerking Movements
Rhythmic or sudden jerking of the arms, legs or other parts of the body may occur during some seizures.
Staring Episodes
Brief staring spells or periods of reduced awareness can be a feature of certain seizure types.
Unusual Sensations
Some seizures can cause unusual sensations, smells, tastes, visual experiences or other changes in awareness.
Temporary Confusion
Confusion, sleepiness or difficulty remembering the event may occur after a seizure.
Loss of Awareness
Some seizures may involve impaired awareness or a complete loss of awareness for a period of time.
TYPES & CLASSIFICATION
Epilepsy can involve different seizure types and causes.
Understanding the seizure pattern and possible underlying cause is an important part of neurological evaluation and treatment planning.
01
Focal Seizures
These seizures begin in a specific area of the brain and may affect awareness, movement, sensation or behaviour.
02
Generalised Seizures
These involve networks on both sides of the brain and can cause different patterns of impaired awareness or movement.
03
Structural Causes
Epilepsy may be associated with structural changes in the brain, including scars, tumours or previous injury.
04
Other Causes
Causes can also include genetic, infectious, metabolic or other neurological factors depending on the individual.
EVALUATION
Careful evaluation helps identify the seizure type and possible cause.
Assessment is based on the seizure history, neurological examination and appropriate investigations.
Neurological Assessment
A detailed neurological examination helps assess neurological function and identify relevant clinical findings.
Brain Imaging
MRI or other appropriate imaging may be used to look for structural changes that could contribute to seizures.
EEG Assessment
An electroencephalogram may help evaluate electrical activity in the brain and support seizure classification.
Clinical History
Details about seizure episodes, triggers, recovery and previous medical history help guide diagnosis and treatment planning.
TREATMENT APPROACH
Epilepsy treatment is planned according to the seizure type and individual needs.
Treatment may involve medication, ongoing neurological follow-up and, in selected patients, consideration of procedural or surgical treatment.
01
Medication Management
Anti-seizure medicines may be used to reduce seizure frequency and control epilepsy.
02
Seizure Monitoring
Ongoing review of seizure patterns and treatment response helps guide longer-term management.
03
Surgical Evaluation
Selected patients with difficult-to-control epilepsy may be assessed for possible neurosurgical treatment.
04
Follow-up & Recovery
Regular follow-up helps monitor seizure control, treatment response and ongoing neurological needs.
WHEN TO SEEK CARE
New, recurrent or changing seizure episodes should be medically evaluated.
Urgent medical attention may be required for a prolonged seizure, repeated seizures without recovery of awareness, a first seizure, significant injury during a seizure or other concerning neurological symptoms.
FAQ
Questions about epilepsy.
What is epilepsy? +
Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterised by a tendency to have recurrent seizures.
How is epilepsy evaluated? +
Evaluation may include a detailed seizure history, neurological examination, brain imaging and EEG assessment when appropriate.
Can epilepsy be treated? +
Many people with epilepsy can be managed with appropriate treatment. The treatment approach depends on the seizure type, cause and individual clinical situation.
When is epilepsy surgery considered? +
Surgical evaluation may be considered for selected patients whose seizures remain difficult to control despite appropriate medical treatment.
DR. RAVIKIRAN NEURO & SPINE
Looking for specialist evaluation?
Discuss your symptoms, reports and treatment options with a neurosurgical specialist.