Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which specialist should I see if I have Epilepsy or fits?

You should see a general Physician or a Neurologist.

2. If someone has a seizure, does that mean he or she suffers from epilepsy?

A seizure is a change in behavioral state due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Given the right set of circumstances (e.g. - blow to the head, intoxication, high fever) anyone can experience a seizure. The occurrence of a seizure in the presence of some factors leading to physiological disturbance does not mean that it will ever happen after the factor has been resolved. When seizures recur without any obvious cause, then a person may be considered to have epilepsy. This has to be further confirmed with an EEG or a CT Scan.

3. What is the difference between seizures and epilepsy?

Seizures are a symptom of epilepsy. Epilepsy is the underlying tendency of the brain to produce sudden bursts of electrical energy that disrupt other brain functions. Having a single seizure does not necessarily mean a person has epilepsy. High fever, severe head injury, lack of oxygen and a number of other factors can affect the brain enough to cause a single seizure.
Epilepsy, on the other hand, is an underlying condition (or permanent brain damage) that affects the delicate systems which govern how electrical energy behaves in the brain, making it susceptible to recurring seizures.

4. Who can treat epilepsy?

Neurologists, pediatric neurologists, pediatricians, neurosurgeons, internists and family physicians all provide treatment for epilepsy. Specialized care for people whose seizures are difficult to control is available in large medical centers and neurological clinics.

5. Is epilepsy contagious?

No, epilepsy is never contagious.

6. What should be done if there has been only a single seizure?

When a person has never had a seizure before, the first seizure should be informed to a doctor for careful diagnosis to recommend treatment with seizure preventing drugs, or to wait and see whether it recurs. Age, family history, and possible causes of the seizure are among the factors that are considered.

Published on Feb 19, 2016
Last Updated on Sep 25, 2020

weller12 Sunday, August 28, 2016

My son Michael Mirai was born with a rare type of epilepsy called Dravet syndrome, also known as Severe Myoclonic Epilepsy of Infancy [SMEI]. This is a rare and catastrophic form of intractable epilepsy that begins in infancy. Individuals with SMEI suffer from intellectual disabilities as well as severe behavioral and development delays. All effort made to be sure he did not live his life miserably with deadly disease proof abortive. I have carried him to different Doctors, use different prescription drug all to no avail.
Dr. Lawson!!! (with tears of joy) I will forever be indebted to you. Your medicine worked perfectly well and now my son is cured of Epilepsy completely. Continue your good job......

shabar Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Planning to marry a girl, I have not even engaged with her as of now but i got to know she have fits. Her age is 23, she got fits at age of 14 and 18 for few min only and using medicines continuously. In last six years no problem with fits and still continously using medicine. SO please guide me, we can overcome this problem? after marriage If I will marry then in future, kids also affectng the same? Please suggest. Thanx, shabs

maruthi123 Monday, April 28, 2014

my 3.5 yrs son suffering fits for last one month. he gets unconcious for 5 -10 minutes, so we consult neurologist and done many tests like EEG, CT and MRI and all are normal hE is still and Dr. suggested us to use valprine 200mg syrup 5 ml daily we are using since last 10 days and again yesterday he got the same problem.how long will the treatment go and will he will be able to lead a healthy life in future.please suggest me.

poonamsach Tuesday, October 29, 2013

My father in law, he is 78 years he is epilepsy patient but from past 40 years he is normal, that to without tablets but in jan 31 he started vomiting we admitied him in hospital; they did MRI brain. There r 3 small clots but not treatable after 10 days he felt in a bathroom he told it was because of fit, again we consult dr. EEG done. They started medicine for fits 16 tab per day he is becoming dull day by day he was not able to walk or stand we were worried, as he is a dr he was not satisfied with his dr we change the dr. she stopped all tab and started levetiracetam ,then he was fine only incoherent talk was there doctor said that he is fiting inside the brain after two month he became violent he use to beat, shout , again we admit him he went in coma. after 20 days dr. told take him home and give him care and hop for best but after 1 and 1/2 month he came out from coma and start talking, eating no one believe not even dr. that he recover very well but again after 1 and 1/2 month he started becoming dull and on 7/9/2013 he had fit he bite his toung then again he was hospitalized he is in MICU in coma for12 days in room for8 days now after one month recovering ....what shill I do more for him, please help

rk2013 Wednesday, October 16, 2013

My daughter aged 13 years just suffered from fits for the first time. She attained age and the illness occurred on the 7th day morning of her second month's menstruation. She was partially unconscious for about 20 minutes followed with heavy vomiting several times. Doctor advised for several tests including ct scan. is it occurred due to some hormone changes in body, loss of blood ect? is it curable?