The Aster Epilepsy Centre stands as a pioneering institution equipped with comprehensive facilities tailored for the precise diagnosis, management, and treatment of epilepsy. Our center offers cutting-edge resources that are dedicated to enhancing patient care and outcomes. With a focus on advanced technology and a multidisciplinary approach, we are committed to providing the highest quality care to individuals living with epilepsy.
State-of-the-Art Epilepsy Monitoring: Our center is equipped with a full-fledged facility housing dedicated Video EEG machines. These resources enable long-term epilepsy monitoring, allowing us to closely observe and analyze brain activity in patients with medically intractable epilepsy. This technology plays a crucial role in diagnosing epilepsy types, determining seizure patterns, and devising optimal treatment strategies.
Precise Pre-Surgical Monitoring: For patients with challenging cases of epilepsy, we offer pre-surgical monitoring using Video EEG technology. This process aids in identifying the exact location of seizure activity in the brain, facilitating targeted surgical interventions for medically refractory epilepsy.
Comprehensive Outpatient Services: We provide a range of outpatient services, including EEG monitoring. Our center offers both standard outpatient EEG monitoring as well as portable EEG monitoring, ensuring that patients have access to diagnostic tools tailored to their individual needs.
Pediatric Neurology and Epilepsy Programme: We are committed to addressing the unique needs of pediatric patients with epilepsy. Our specialized program caters to children with epilepsy, offering comprehensive evaluation, diagnostics, and treatment options in a child-friendly environment.
Advanced Functional Imaging: Our epilepsy surgery program is fortified by the integration of advanced functional imaging techniques. We utilize PET-CT and functional MRI to precisely map brain function and areas associated with seizures, enhancing the accuracy of surgical planning.
Depth Monitoring: For cases requiring deep brain exploration, our center is equipped with the capabilities for depth monitoring. This allows us to gather detailed information about seizure activity originating from deeper brain structures.
Holistic Sleep Disorder Management: We understand that epilepsy can be intertwined with sleep disorders. To address this, we offer a full-fledged sleep lab equipped with state-of-the-art resources for investigating and managing various sleep-related issues.
Our Doctors
We have some of the best specialists from around the world, they bring years of experience and offer evidence-based treatment to ensure the best care for you.
Advanced Technology & Facilities
Well equipped with the latest medical equipment, modern technology & infrastructure, Aster Hospital is one of the best hospitals in India.
An EEG records the electrical activity of your brain via electrodes affixed to your scalp. EEG results show changes in brain activity that may be useful in diagnosing brain conditions, especially epilepsy and other seizure disorders.
A video EEG records what is happening when you have a seizure or event and compare the picture to what the EEG records at the same time.
Invasive EEG recordings are those recordings that are made with electrodes that have been surgically implanted on the surface or within the depth of the brain.
This is a procedure used intraoperatively to confirm the location and extent of epileptic tissue by recording electrical activity directly from the surface of the cerebral cortex.
MRI protocol for epilepsy is a group of MRI sequences put together to improve sensitivity and specificity in identifying possible structural abnormalities that underlie seizure disorders.
Positron emission tomography (PET) scans detect early signs of cancer, heart disease and brain disorders. An injectable radioactive tracer detects diseased cells. A combination PET-CT scan produces 3D images for a more accurate diagnosis.
A single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) scan lets your doctor analyze the function of some of your internal organs. A SPECT scan is a type of nuclear imaging test, which means it uses a radioactive substance and a special camera to create 3-D pictures.
FAQs
Want to find out more about the treatment? The answer to your questions can be found below.
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy, which is sometimes called a seizure disorder, is a disorder of the brain. A person is diagnosed with epilepsy when they have had two or more seizures.
What causes Epilepsy?
Epilepsy can be caused by different conditions that affect a person’s brain. Some known causes include:
- Stroke.
- Brain tumor.
- Brain infection from parasites (malaria, neurocysticercosis), viruses (influenza, dengue, Zika), and bacteria.
- Traumatic brain injury or head injury.
- Loss of oxygen to the brain (for example, during birth).
- Some genetic disorders (such as Down syndrome).
- Other neurologic diseases (such as Alzheimer’s disease).
Who is an epileptologists, and what do they do?
Epileptologists in Kochi are epilepsy specialists who help manage seizures. They monitor treatments, adjust therapies, and may recommend surgery if needed. They work with a team, educate patients, and aim to improve quality of life by reducing seizure frequency. They use advanced tools and research to develop new treatments.
What question should you ask an Epileptologist?
When you meet with an epileptologist, ask about your epilepsy type and what activities to avoid. Find out if epilepsy surgery is an option and how to manage epilepsy during pregnancy. Ask how often you need follow-up appointments and about resources for support.
What are the most common types of conditions that Epileptologists treat?
Epileptologists in Kochi treat a range of epilepsy types and seizure disorders, including quick, involuntary muscle jerks (myoclonic seizures) and seizures that resist standard treatments (refractory epilepsy). They also handle specific epilepsy syndromes such as Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndrome and seizures caused by brain injuries or tumours.
What advancements or technologies are utilised by epileptologists?
Epileptologists in Kochi use advanced imaging, such as SPECT, 3T MRI, and PET scans, to diagnose and treat epilepsy. SPECT shows blood flow changes during seizures, while 3T MRI detects subtle brain abnormalities. PET scans identify areas with abnormal brain metabolism related to seizures.
Do Epileptologists recommend surgery as a treatment for epilepsy?
Yes, epileptologists recommend surgery for focal epilepsy when seizures come from a specific brain area. It's considered after detailed monitoring like video EEG, with input from a specialist team, aiming to prevent complications and stop seizures when other treatments fail.
How long do seizures usually last?
Usually, a seizure lasts from a few seconds to a few minutes. It depends on the type of seizure.
What are the major types of seizures?
Seizures are classified into two groups.
- Generalized seizures affect both sides of the brain.
- Focal seizures affect just one area of the brain. These seizures are also called partial seizures.
When should I consider seeing an Epileptologist?
If your seizures are not well-controlled or if you are experiencing severe side effects from medication, it's time to see an epileptologist. They also specialise in treating newly diagnosed epilepsy. If surgery is being considered to identify the seizure focus, Epileptologists in Kochi can provide a pre-surgical evaluation.
Will an epileptologist help manage side effects during treatment?
Yes, an epileptologist will help manage side effects during treatment. They monitor your response to medication, adjust dosages if necessary, and provide strategies to minimise or cope with any side effects you experience. Their goal is to ensure your treatment is as effective and comfortable as possible.
What is the role of an epileptologist in patient treatment?
An epileptologist plays a key role in treating patients by accurately diagnosing different types of epilepsy using advanced tools. They regularly monitor patients for seizure control and contribute to research for new treatments. They recommend alternative therapies, educate patients and families, and coordinate with other healthcare professionals.
How should I prepare for my first visit to Epileptologists?
To prepare for your first visit to an epileptologist, identify and note any known triggers that cause your seizures. Be ready to discuss your daily routine and how epilepsy affects your activities. Document any previous treatments, including their effectiveness and side effects.
Blogs
The source of trustworthy health and medical information. Through this section, we provide research-based health information, and all that is happening in Aster Hospital.
