Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in which electrical activity in the brain becomes abnormal, causing the person to experience seizures repeatedly. This condition can occur at any age and may have various causes, such as head injury, infections, or genetic factors. In India, National Epilepsy Day is observed every year on November 17. The purpose of celebrating this day is to raise awareness about epilepsy, to remove misconceptions associated with it, and to encourage patients to receive uniform treatment and proper care so that they can lead a normal and respectful life.
National Epilepsy Day History
India's initiative to celebrate National Epilepsy Day was undertaken by the Epilepsy Foundation of India (EFI), which was established by Dr. N. M. Valli (Dr. Nirmal Surya) in 1990. EFI started this day to raise awareness about epilepsy in society, provide education and treatment to patients, and protect their rights. The decision to observe it annually on November 17 was made so that people remember that epilepsy is a medical condition, not a social stigma.
The main objective of this day is:
- To eliminate superstitions and discrimination related to epilepsy.
- To teach people that this disease is treatable and patients can live normal lives.
- To increase understanding and compassion in society, schools, and workplaces.
- To motivate the government and health institutions to provide better treatment and rehabilitation facilities.
Today, National Epilepsy Day has become a symbol not only in India but also internationally for awareness, empathy, and medical progress.
Understanding Epilepsy Symptoms
The symptoms vary from person to person, depending on which part of the brain is experiencing abnormal activity. Still, there are some common symptoms that are seen in most cases
Recurrent Seizures
- Sudden body trembling or jerking (convulsions)
- Loss of consciousness for a few seconds to several minutes
- The person may fall, or the body may stiffen
Changes in consciousness or behaviour
- Sudden loss of consciousness or confusion
- Gazing fixedly or “getting lost” for a few moments
- Hesitation while talking or not reacting
Unusual sensations
- Feeling fluttering or tingling in the head
- Experiencing strange smells, tastes, or sounds that are not real
- Sudden feelings of fear or anxiety
Physical and mental effects
- Feeling fatigue, headache, or confusion after a seizure
- Some individuals experience temporary memory loss
- Repeated seizures can also cause mental stress and depression
Signs of Emergency
- Contact a doctor immediately if a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes
- If, after a seizure, the person is not breathing or unconscious
- Head injury or continuous seizures (status epilepticus)
Not all epilepsy patients exhibit these symptoms in the same way; some have mild “loss of awareness” seizures, while others experience full-body jerks. Proper diagnosis and treatment require consulting a neurologist.
Types of Epilepsy
Epilepsy has several types, which depend on the type of seizures and the affected part of the brain. It is mainly divided into two major categories:
Generalized Epilepsy
This involves seizures that start simultaneously in both parts of the brain.
- Tonic-Clonic Seizure: The body stiffens, seizures occur, and the person may lose consciousness.
- Absence Seizure: The person’s attention is lost for a few seconds or they appear “absent.”
- Myoclonic Seizure: Sudden shocks are felt in the body or limbs.
- Atonic Seizure: Sudden loss of muscle control, which could cause the person to fall.
- Tonic / Clonic Seizure: Only stiffening or only seizures occur in the body.
Focal (Partial) Epilepsy
This begins in one part of the brain.
- Simple Focal Seizure: The person feels shocks or abnormal sensations but remains conscious.
- Complex Focal Seizure: The person becomes unconscious for a few minutes or performs repetitive actions without awareness (such as lip-smacking, buttoning clothes).
- Secondary Generalized Seizure: It starts from a focal seizure and then spreads across the entire brain later on.
Epilepsy Treatment Options
Epilepsy has several effective treatment options, and nowadays most patients can live a completely normal life with proper treatment.
Below, understand the main treatment options in simple language.
Medication Treatment (Anti-Seizure Medicines)
This is the most common and primary approach. Doctors prescribe medicines based on the type of epilepsy and the patient's age. These medicines control the brain's electrical signals to prevent seizures from recurring.
Common medicines include:
In many patients, controlling seizures with medication alone is up to 90%. Take the medicines on time, daily, and as per your doctor's advice, do not stop them at will.
Surgery (Epilepsy Surgery)
If seizures are not controlled with medicines (drug-resistant epilepsy), surgery is considered. In this procedure, the doctor identifies the part of the brain causing the seizures, and if necessary, removes or regulates it. Nowadays, minimally invasive (small incision) surgeries are also available.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)
This involves a small electronic device implanted inside the chest. It sends light electrical signals to the brain through the vagus nerve, reducing the frequency of seizures. This method is helpful for patients who do not find relief with medication and surgery.
This is a high-fat, low-carb diet. Especially effective in reducing seizures among children. It should only be started under the supervision of a doctor or dietitian.
Lifestyle and Supportive Care
Reducing stress, getting enough sleep, and taking medicines regularly are very important. Avoid alcohol and drugs. For some people, yoga, meditation, and counseling can also be quite helpful.
Why Choose Artemis Hospitals for Epilepsy Care?
Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, offers state-of-the-art and comprehensive medical facilities for epilepsy (seizure) patients. There is a special Neurology and Epilepsy Care Unit where experienced neurologists, neurosurgeons, and counsellors work together to treat patients. The hospital provides advanced diagnostic tools such as EEG, video-EEG monitoring, MRI, CT, and PET scans for accurate epilepsy diagnosis. Most patients are treated with antiseizure medications (AEDs), but for cases where medications are ineffective, surgical options such as focal surgery, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), and neurostimulation therapy are available.
Additionally, the hospital offers supportive services, including ketogenic diet therapy, lifestyle counselling, and mental health consultations. Artemis also focuses on providing emotional and social support along with treatment. Through regular follow-up clinics and awareness programs for families, it ensures that patients can control their seizures and lead normal lives. Due to the use of modern technology, expert doctors, and compassionate care, Artemis Hospital is considered one of the leading medical centres in the country for epilepsy treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is epilepsy a contagious disease?
No, epilepsy is a neurological disorder caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It is not contagious and cannot be passed from person to person through contact.
Can a person with epilepsy lead a normal life, including working and driving?
Yes, with proper diagnosis and consistent treatment (often anti-seizure medications or surgery), most individuals with epilepsy can live full, normal lives, including working and, depending on local laws and their seizure control, even driving.
What is the primary difference between a "Generalized Seizure" and a "Focal Seizure"?
A generalized seizure involves abnormal electrical activity that starts and spreads across both sides (hemispheres) of the brain simultaneously. A focal seizure starts in a specific, limited area of one side of the brain.
Besides medication and surgery, what other supportive therapies are used in modern epilepsy treatment?
Modern care often includes supportive services like ketogenic diet therapy, lifestyle and wellness counselling, and mental health consultations (given the potential for stress and depression) to provide holistic care.
What should I do if I see someone having a seizure that lasts less than five minutes?
Stay calm. Gently guide the person away from anything dangerous. Time the seizure. Place something soft under their head and turn them gently onto their side to help breathing. Do not put anything in their mouth.
What is the significance of the Epilepsy Foundation of India (EFI) celebrating National Epilepsy Day on November 17th?
The main goal of celebrating this day is to combat the social stigma and superstitions associated with epilepsy, firmly establishing it in the public mind as a treatable medical condition that requires understanding and empathy, not discrimination.
