Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain and causes seizures. Seizures are like electrical storms in the brain and can cause a person to lose consciousness or have strange movements or feelings. Sometimes, medicine and other treatments may not work to control seizures, and in these cases, surgery may be an option. In this blog post, we will talk about epilepsy surgery, what it is, and how it is done.

Epilepsy surgery cost in India:

Epilepsy surgery can be a costly procedure, with costs varying depending on the type of surgery and the location where it is performed. In India, the cost of epilepsy surgery can vary widely depending on the hospital and the surgeon performing the procedure.

On average, the cost of a lobectomy, which is one of the most common types of epilepsy surgery, can range from around 200,000 rupees to 600,000 rupees. This cost can vary depending on factors such as the hospital, the type of room, the surgeon's experience, and whether the surgery is done as a daycare procedure or requires an overnight stay in the hospital.

The cost of a hemispherectomy, another type of epilepsy surgery, can range from around 400,000 rupees to 1,000,000 rupees. This cost can vary depending on the same factors as above.

The cost of multiple subpial transections (MST) surgery, which is a more complicated procedure, can range from around 500,000 rupees to 1,500,000 rupees.

The cost of Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) and Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS) can vary from around 1,500,000 to 2,000,000 rupees.

It's important to note that these are just estimates and the actual cost of the surgery can vary depending on the individual case. Additionally, these costs may not include additional costs such as post-surgery care, rehabilitation, and follow-up visits.

Medically resistant epilepsy is a condition in which seizures are not well controlled with medication. This can be a frustrating and difficult situation for those living with the condition, as well as their loved ones. In cases of medically resistant epilepsy, alternative treatment options may need to be considered, such as epilepsy surgery or vagus nerve stimulation.

Dr. Siddharth Kharkar is one of the best Neurologists in Mumbai. His website offers an excellent tool and spreadsheets to calculate Epilepsy surgery cost in India.

Medication adjustment, ketogenic diet:

One of the first steps in treating medically resistant epilepsy is to ensure that the correct medications are being used at the correct dosages. A medication regimen that is not tailored to the individual's specific needs may not be effective. If this is the case, a change in medication or a dosage adjustment may be necessary.

Another option for treating medically resistant epilepsy is the ketogenic diet. This is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that is effective in reducing seizures in some individuals. It is important to note that the ketogenic diet should only be used under the close supervision of a healthcare professional, as it can have potential side effects and may not be suitable for everyone.

Epilepsy surgery evaluation in India:

Epilepsy surgery may also be considered a treatment option for those with medically resistant epilepsy. The evaluation process for epilepsy surgery is a multi-step process that involves a thorough evaluation of the patient's medical history, a neurological examination, and a series of diagnostic tests. The goal of the evaluation is to determine if the patient is a candidate for surgery and, if so, to identify the specific area of the brain that is causing the seizures.

The first step in the process of epilepsy surgery is to identify the specific area of the brain that is causing the seizures. This is typically done through a combination of diagnostic tests, including an electroencephalogram (EEG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) scans. Once the area of the brain that is causing the seizures has been identified, the patient and their surgeon will work together to determine the best course of treatment.

Types of Epilepsy surgery in India:

Epilepsy surgery is a procedure that involves removing or altering a specific area of the brain to reduce or eliminate seizures in individuals who have uncontrolled epilepsy. The goal of the surgery is to remove the source of seizures while preserving as much normal brain tissue as possible. There are several different types of epilepsy surgery, each of which is tailored to the individual patient's condition.

One of the most common types of epilepsy surgery is a lobectomy, which involves the removal of a portion of the brain, known as a lobe. The most common lobes removed in a lobectomy are the temporal lobes, located on either side of the brain, just above the ears. The temporal lobes are responsible for memory, language, and hearing and are also the most common site of seizures in individuals with epilepsy.
Another common type of epilepsy surgery is a hemispherectomy, which involves the removal of one entire half of the brain. This procedure is typically only done in cases where the seizures are caused by a brain injury or a congenital disorder, and it is typically only done in children.
A third type of epilepsy surgery is called multiple subpial transections (MST), which involves making small cuts in the brain to sever the connections between the cells that are causing the seizures. This procedure is typically only done in cases where the seizures are caused by a specific area of the brain that cannot be removed without causing significant damage to surrounding normal brain tissue.
A fourth type of epilepsy surgery is called Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) in which a small device is implanted under the skin of the chest, similar to a pacemaker. The device sends electrical impulses to the vagus nerve in the neck, which can help to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.
A fifth type of surgery is called responsive neurostimulation (RNS), which is an implantable device that detects abnormal electrical activity in the brain and sends electrical impulses to disrupt it before it can lead to a seizure.

After the surgery, the patient will typically spend several days in the hospital recovering. They will be closely monitored to ensure that there are no complications and that they are healing properly. Once they are released from the hospital, they will typically need to undergo physical therapy and other forms of rehabilitation to regain any function that may have been lost due to the surgery.

It's also important to note that the decision to undergo epilepsy surgery should be a joint decision made between the patient, their family, and the medical team. The patient must have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery and the potential risks and complications involved.

The recovery process after epilepsy surgery can vary depending on the type of surgery performed and the individual patient. In general, the recovery process may take several weeks to several months. The patient will be closely monitored during this time to ensure that they are healing properly and that there are no complications. They may also need to undergo physical therapy and other forms of rehabilitation to regain any function that may have been lost due to the surgery.

Epilepsy surgery in India conclusion:

In conclusion, epilepsy surgery can be a highly effective treatment option for some individuals with uncontrolled seizures. It involves the removal or alteration of a specific area of the brain to reduce or eliminate seizures while preserving as much normal brain tissue as possible.

Different types of surgery like lobectomy, hemispherectomy, multiple subpial transection, Vagus Nerve Stimulation, and responsive neurostimulation are done depending on the patient's condition.

The decision to undergo epilepsy surgery should be a joint decision made between the patient, their family, and the medical team, and the patient needs to have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery and the potential risks and complications involved.