Seizures Treatment

How are Seizures Diagnosed?

Diagnosing a seizure involves more than simply identifying shaking or loss of consciousness. A neurologist may ask the person and anyone who witnessed the episode about what happened before, during, and after the event, including unusual sensations, staring, movements, tongue biting, loss of bladder control and confusion afterwards.

Tests may include an electroencephalogram (EEG) to assess abnormal electrical activity in the brain. In fact, MRI or CT scans may be recommended to identify structural abnormalities, and blood tests to detect glucose, electrolyte, infection, or other metabolic problems. Moreover, a neurological examination can be used to assess reflexes, strength, coordination, sensation, and other neurological functions.

Types of Seizures and Their Treatment

Doctors usually recommend treatments based on the type of seizure diagnosed. The following treatments are suggested for different types of seizures:

How are Seizures Treated Based on Stages?

The table below shows the recommended treatment approach for seizures based on its stages:

Surgical Treatments for Seizures

The main surgical treatment options in case of seizures include:

• Thermal Ablation (Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy): This minimally invasive procedure uses concentrated energy to destroy the targeted brain tissue responsible for seizures.

• Lobectomy: The surgeon identifies and removes the area of the brain where the seizures begin.

• Multiple Subpial Transection: Several small cuts are made in the brain to prevent seizures from spreading when the affected area cannot be safely removed.

• Hemispherotomy: One side of the brain is separated from the rest of the brain and body. This approach is generally considered when medicines fail to control seizures and the seizures are limited to one side of the brain.

• Corpus Callosotomy: The connections between the right and left sides of the brain are cut to reduce the spread of seizures from one side to the other. However, seizures may still occur in the area where they initially begin.

Other Treatments for Seizures

Medicines are effective for many people, but some seizures continue despite appropriate drug treatment. When seizures remain uncontrolled, a comprehensive seizure evaluation may help determine whether additional treatment could reduce their frequency.

Electrical stimulation may be considered when surgery cannot safely remove or separate the area of the brain where seizures begin. These devices can be used alongside anti-seizure medicines to help reduce seizure frequency and include vagus nerve stimulation, responsive neurostimulation, and deep brain stimulation, which work by delivering controlled electrical signals to help regulate abnormal brain activity.

Oral Medications for Seizures Treatment

Commonly prescribed oral anti-seizure medicines used for long-term seizure management include the following:

• Lamotrigine: Used for several types of epilepsy and may be particularly useful for certain focal and generalised seizures.

• Levetiracetam: Commonly used for several seizure types and is available in oral and injectable forms. Some people may experience sleepiness, dizziness, or mood changes while taking it.

• Brivaracetam: An anti-seizure medicine that may be used as monotherapy in patients as young as 1 month old. It helps manage seizures by reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

• Eslicarbazepine acetate (Aptiom): Once-daily anti-seizure medicine used alone or in combination with other anti-seizure drugs to treat partial-onset seizures.

• Ethosuximide (Zarontin): Primarily used to treat absence seizures by helping control abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Common adverse effects may include nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, and weight loss.

• Felbamate (Felbatol): Treats partial seizures and certain partial and generalised seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, usually when other medicines have not been effective.

• Carbamazepine: Commonly used for focal seizures. It may interact with several other medicines, so doctors generally review a patient's medication list before prescribing it.

• Phenytoin: Helps control certain seizures and is also available for emergency treatment in some situations.
  Note: You should always take systemic treatment for seizures on the recommendation of your doctor or a specialist.

Ayurvedic and Alternative Treatments for Seizures

Some supportive approaches that may help promote general well-being alongside prescribed seizure treatment include the following:

• Biofeedback: This technique helps people become more aware of certain body functions and learn ways to regulate them. It may support stress management and relaxation as a complementary approach to seizure care.

• Acupuncture: Acupuncture can be used as a complementary therapy to help with relaxation and overall well-being. It is important to use it together with your prescribed seizure treatment, not as a replacement.

• Essential Oils: Some people use essential oils to help with relaxation or stress. However, some oils may not be safe for people with seizures, so it is best to check with your doctor before using them.

• Cannabis and CBD: Cannabis-derived products and CBD have been studied for their potential role in seizure management. Their use should be discussed with a healthcare professional because they may interact with other medicines.

• Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): Traditionally used to support memory and brain health and may have neuroprotective properties.

• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Often used to help manage stress and anxiety, which may be seizure triggers for some people.

Note: Herbal products can interact with anti-seizure medicines. Discuss any supplement or alternative treatment with your neurologist before using it.

Home Care for Managing Seizures

Important seizure home-care measures that can help improve safety during daily activities include:

• Do not try to hold the person down or restrict their movements during the seizure.

• Cushion the person's head with something soft to help prevent injury.

• Avoid moving the person unless they are in immediate danger, such as being in water.

• Never put anything in the mouth or try to force their teeth apart, as this can cause injury.

• Loosen any tight clothing around the neck to breathe comfortably.

• Turn the person onto their side when possible, particularly once the seizure allows you to do so safely.

Latest Treatment for Seizures in India

Seizure treatment in India is increasingly focused on personalised therapy, particularly for people whose seizures are not adequately controlled with standard anti-seizure medicines. One of the newer medicines gaining attention is cenobamate, which is used for drug-resistant focal-onset seizures and has shown promising seizure-control outcomes in clinical studies.

In 2025, India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) approved cenobamate tablets, making them more available in the country. Doctors may consider this option if other anti-seizure medicines have not worked well enough.

How Long Does Seizure Treatment Take?

The approximate duration associated with different seizure treatments is as follows:

Seizures Treatment Side Effects

Some of the commonly reported side effects of seizures associated with anti-seizure medicines and treatment include:

• Cognitive difficulties, such as problems with thinking, memory, or concentration

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Headache

• Mood or motivation changes

• Stomach upset or discomfort

• Poor coordination or balance

• Drowsiness or tiredness

• Blurred vision

• Unsteady walking

• Double vision

Lifestyle Changes for Managing Seizures

Key lifestyle measures that may support better seizure management include the following:

• Maintain a regular sleep schedule.

• Do not skip prescribed medicines.

• Avoid risky activities

• Consume a ketogenic diet.

• Stay adequately hydrated.

• Limit alcohol if advised by your doctor.

• Manage stress.

• Exercise safely.

• Avoid known personal seizure triggers.

Factors That Can Worsen Symptoms of Seizures

Some common triggers that can increase the chances of seizures include:

• Recreational drugs, alcohol, caffeine and energy drinks

• Dehydration or going for long periods without eating

• Hormonal changes in females

• Exposure to flashing or flickering lights

• Lack of adequate sleep

• Severe or prolonged stress

• Being unwell or having an illness, even without a fever

Seizures Treatment Cost

The average cost of seizure treatment in India depends majorly on the type of treatment and seizure diagnosed. A neurologist consultation generally costs around ₹500–₹2,000, while an EEG may cost approximately ₹1,400 to ₹2,000.

If a basic epilepsy surgery (resection) is required, it may cost around ₹1.5 lakh to ₹3.5 lakh, while advanced deep brain stimulation surgery may cost ₹6 lakh to ₹12 lakh. If a VNS is recommended, it can cost between ₹4 lakh to ₹10.5 lakh.

Does Health Insurance Cover Seizure Treatment in India?

Yes, health insurance usually does not cover seizure treatment directly. However, expenses related to the conditions associated with seizures, complications, hospitalisation or other treatments are covered depending on your policy. Hospital stays for severe seizures, diagnostic tests, surgeries and modern treatment such as deep brain stimulation, are often included under most plans.

If a person has seizures before purchasing a policy, it may be treated as a pre-existing disease and could be subject to a waiting period of up to 3 years.

A suitable health insurance plan can help reduce the financial burden of diagnosis, treatment and hospitalisation associated with seizures. Hence, when choosing a health insurance policy for seizure treatment, consider coverage of around ₹15 lakh to ₹20 lakh to help manage potential medical, treatment and hospitalisation expenses.