About Pediatric Epilepsy
Key Highlights
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Personalized care plan tailored to the child's specific epilepsy type and developmental needs.Access to advanced diagnostic tools like video-EEG monitoring and genetic testing for precise diagnosis.Multidisciplinary approach involving epileptologists, neuropsychologists, and dietitians for comprehensive support.Focus on minimizing medication side effects to protect cognitive development and quality of life.Management of drug-resistant epilepsy with advanced therapies like dietary treatment or neurostimulation.Long-term follow-up to adjust treatment as the child grows and develops./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Recurrent, unprovoked seizures in an infant, child, or adolescent.
- Suspected epilepsy syndrome (e.g., Infantile Spasms, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Childhood Absence Epilepsy).
- First-time seizure requiring expert diagnosis and etiology determination.
- Breakthrough seizures or poor seizure control on current medication regimen.
- Concerns about developmental delay or regression potentially linked to seizures.
- Evaluation for possible epilepsy surgery in cases of medication-resistant focal epilepsy.
- Management of epilepsy associated with other neurological conditions (e.g., cerebral palsy, genetic disorders).
How to prepare
- Compile a detailed seizure diary noting frequency, duration, triggers, and description of events.
- Bring all previous medical records, imaging scans (MRI/CT), and EEG reports to the consultation.
- List all current medications, including doses and any supplements.
- For diagnostic EEGs, the child may need sleep deprivation; follow specific instructions on washing hair (no oils/sprays).
- For prolonged video-EEG monitoring, prepare for a several-day hospital stay with comfort items.
- Discuss the process openly with the child at an age-appropriate level to reduce anxiety.
- Fasting may be required only if sedation is planned for specific procedures like an MRI in a young child.
Risks & possible complications
- Medication-related side effects: drowsiness, dizziness, behavioral changes, or rare serious reactions.
- Diagnostic procedures like EEG are non-invasive and carry minimal to no risk.
- Risks from advanced treatments: surgical evaluation carries standard neurosurgical risks; dietary therapies may have nutritional deficiencies.
- Potential for breakthrough seizures or status epilepticus, a medical emergency.
- Impact on learning, memory, and psychosocial development if seizures are not well-controlled.
- Rare risk of SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy).
Recovery & hospital stay
- Recovery is an ongoing process focused on achieving seizure control and normal development.
- After medication initiation or adjustment, close monitoring for efficacy and side effects is essential.
- Regular follow-up visits with the pediatric neurologist for medication level checks and plan reviews.
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule and identify/avoid personal seizure triggers.
- Ensure school personnel are informed and have a seizure action plan.
- Encourage normal childhood activities with appropriate safety precautions (e.g., supervised swimming).
- Family and child counseling may be recommended to support emotional and psychological well-being.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 to 7+ days
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Expected recovery time: Ongoing management; initial medication stabilization may take 4-8 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering pediatric epilepsy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with pediatric neurology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform pediatric epilepsy. MediFyr helps you compare pediatric neurologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for pediatric epilepsy compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 50 Thousand – 800 Thousand | 0 to 7+ days | ~ Ongoing management; initial medication stabilization may take 4-8 weeks | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 175 Thousand – 2.8 Million | 0 to 7+ days | ~ Ongoing management; initial medication stabilization may take 4-8 weeks | Know More |
Sophia Reddy is a bright and...
Sophia Reddy is a bright and artistic 8-year-old who loves painting and playing the violin. Her parents first noticed brief 'staring spells' when she was 6, where she would stop mid-sentence and be unresponsive for 10-15 seconds. These episodes increased in frequency, sometimes happening 20 times a day, and began to affect her schoolwork and violin practice, as she would lose her place. A pediatrician referred her to a Pediatric Neurologist. An EEG confirmed the diagnosis of Childhood Absence Epilepsy. The doctor recommended starting treatment with ethosuximide, a medication specifically for absence seizures. Starting the medication was a big adjustment for Sophia, involving daily doses and initial fatigue. After a few weeks of dose titration, a follow-up EEG showed dramatic improvement. The staring spells reduced to just 1-2 per week, and her focus in school and music returned. Emotionally, Sophia and her parents moved from a place of fear and confusion, worrying about her safety and future, to immense relief and hope. Seeing her confidently perform in her school concert, seizure-free, was a moment of profound joy for the family.
Pediatric Neurologists for Pediatric Epilepsy
Explore experienced pediatric neurologists who regularly perform pediatric epilepsy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 28 Years Experience
- Pediatric Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 13 Years Experience
- Pediatric Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- Pediatric Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Pediatric Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 12 Years Experience
- Pediatric Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Pediatric Neurologist
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 10 Years Experience
- Pediatric Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore