Epilepsy is caused by the disturbances in the nerve cell activities, causing seizures that can occur at any time. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, leading to a wide range of symptoms that can affect a person’s daily life. While epilepsy can occur at any age, it typically begins in childhood or adolescence, and in some cases, it may even run in families.

Wide range of treatments is available to manage with epilepsy, though there is no permanent cure for it so far. Medical tourism would be highly helpful the patients in managing the condition. Platforms like Medditour help the patients to connect them to the international hospitals and facilitators so as to obtain affordable treatments and quality care.

Let’s try to understand about epilepsy in depth in this article and find out how medical tourism could help in managing epilepsy.

Symptoms of Epilepsy

Epilepsy can cause a range of symptoms, and the type and severity of symptoms can vary widely from person to person. Some common symptoms of epilepsy include,

• Seizures: Seizures are the hallmark symptom of epilepsy. They can range from mild to severe and can cause a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms.
• Loss of consciousness: During a seizure, a person may lose consciousness and may not remember what happened.
• Uncontrollable movements: Some people with epilepsy experience uncontrollable movements or spasms during a seizure.
• Confusion: After a seizure, a person may feel confused or disoriented for a period of time.
• Mood changes: Epilepsy can also cause mood changes, such as depression, anxiety, or irritability.

Life Span states that many people with epilepsy can conduct a normal life, however, patients who have had epilepsy for a long time or whose epilepsy is difficult to control are at higher risk for unemployment and they may also need assistance in their daily life activities. 

Diagnosis of Epilepsy

Diagnosing epilepsy can be challenging. Some common diagnostic tests used to diagnose epilepsy include,

• Electroencephalogram (EEG): It can help doctors identify abnormal patterns of brain activity that may be indicative of epilepsy.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An MRI is a diagnostic imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain. It can help doctors identify structural abnormalities in the brain that may be causing seizures.
• Blood tests: Blood tests can be used to rule out other medical conditions that may be causing seizures, such as infections or metabolic disorders.

Treatment for Epilepsy

There is no cure for epilepsy, but there are a variety of treatments available that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Some common treatments for epilepsy include,

• Medication: Anticonvulsant medications are the most common treatment for epilepsy. These medications work by reducing the frequency and severity of seizures.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove a portion of the brain that is causing seizures.

• Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): VNS is a treatment that involves implanting a device under the skin of the chest that sends electrical signals to the brain to reduce seizures.
• Ketogenic Diet: A ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has been shown to reduce seizures in some people with epilepsy.

World Health Organization states that it is estimated that up to 70% of people living with epilepsy could live seizure-free if properly diagnosed and treated.

Medical Tourism for Epilepsy Treatment

Through medical tourism, patients with epilepsy are able to access wide range of international treatments with no / reduced waiting time. In the countries like US, UK, and other European countries, they might have to wait for the specialized treatments for a longer time, but, some of the developing nations like India, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey, Dubai, etc. offer the specialized services at affordable cost and the patients can avail them with no waiting time.

Companies like Medditour offer the chance of combining the treatment with vacation so that the patients can relax to get relieved from the stress due the medical condition.

In conclusion, epilepsy is a neurological disorder which can occur at any age. It is characterized by recurrent seizures which have a wide range of diagnostic and treatment methodologies to manage the condition. Medical tourism could act as a good option for patients to get affordable treatments and quality care for epilepsy.