Seizure Disorder Treatment and Support in Borivali

Seizure disorders are conditions in which a person experiences repeated seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Seizures can appear in different ways, including brief periods of unresponsiveness, unusual movements, staring episodes, confusion, or loss of consciousness.

Repeated seizures, unexplained episodes of loss of consciousness, or sudden changes in awareness should be medically evaluated. Depending on the symptoms, neurological assessment and treatment may be required alongside psychiatric or mental health support.

At Kosha Mind Care Clinic, Borivali West, Mumbai, Dr. Shraddha Soni provides psychiatric assessment and support for individuals experiencing emotional or psychological concerns associated with seizure disorders.

What Are Seizure Disorders?

A seizure occurs when there is a sudden disruption in the normal electrical activity of the brain. A person may experience changes in movement, awareness, sensation, behaviour, or consciousness.

Epilepsy is one condition associated with recurrent unprovoked seizures, but not every seizure-like episode is caused by epilepsy. A proper medical evaluation is important to understand the underlying cause.

Common Signs of Seizures

Seizures can vary significantly from person to person.

1. Loss of Consciousness: The person may suddenly become unconscious or unresponsive for a period of time.

2. Unusual Body Movements: Repeated jerking, stiffening, shaking, or other involuntary movements may occur.

3. Staring Episodes: The person may suddenly stare blankly and become unresponsive for a short period.

4. Temporary Confusion: Confusion or difficulty understanding what is happening may occur during or after a seizure.

5. Memory Gaps: The person may not remember what happened during the episode.

6. Sudden Changes in Awareness: There may be brief periods when the person appears disconnected from their surroundings.

7. Unusual Sensations: Some people may experience unusual smells, tastes, sounds, visual changes, or other sensations before a seizure.

8. Loss of Bladder Control: Some seizures may occasionally be associated with loss of bladder control.

What Can Cause Seizures?

Seizures can have different causes, and identifying the cause requires appropriate medical evaluation.

1. Epilepsy: Recurrent unprovoked seizures may occur as part of epilepsy.

2. Brain Conditions: Certain structural or neurological conditions affecting the brain can be associated with seizures.

3. Head Injury: Previous significant brain injury may increase the risk of seizures.

4. Infections: Certain infections affecting the brain or nervous system may cause seizures.

5. Metabolic Problems: Changes in blood sugar, electrolytes, or other body functions may sometimes trigger seizures.

6. Genetic Factors: Some seizure disorders may have genetic or inherited factors.

7. Medication or Substance-Related Factors: Certain medicines, substance use, or withdrawal from some substances may increase seizure risk.

When Should You Seek Medical Help?

Repeated or unexplained seizure-like episodes should be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional.

1. Repeated Seizures: Multiple unexplained seizure episodes require medical evaluation.

2. First-Time Seizure: A first suspected seizure should receive prompt medical assessment.

3. Repeated Loss of Consciousness: Frequent or unexplained episodes of fainting or loss of awareness should not be ignored.

4. Changes in Behaviour or Awareness: Sudden changes in awareness, confusion, or unusual behaviour may require evaluation.

5. Injuries During Episodes: Falls, head injuries, or other injuries during episodes require medical attention.

6. Increasing Frequency: A noticeable increase in the frequency or severity of episodes should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

How Are Seizure Disorders Evaluated?

Evaluation depends on the person’s symptoms and medical history. A doctor may ask about what happened before, during, and after the episode.

Information from family members or witnesses can be especially helpful because the person may not remember the episode.

Depending on the situation, investigations such as neurological examination, EEG, brain imaging, or blood tests may be recommended by the treating doctor.

Treatment and Management of Seizure Disorders

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and type of seizure. Neurological assessment and treatment are often important for managing seizure disorders.

1. Medical Assessment: A detailed evaluation helps identify the possible type and cause of the seizure.

2. Neurological Care: A neurologist may be involved in diagnosing and managing epilepsy or other neurological causes of seizures.

3. Medication When Required: Anti-seizure medicines may be prescribed by the treating doctor when appropriate.

4. Regular Follow-Up: Follow-up appointments help monitor seizure control, treatment response, and any medication-related concerns.

5. Mental Health Support: Anxiety, depression, stress, sleep problems, or emotional difficulties associated with seizure disorders may require psychiatric support.

6. Family Education: Family members can learn how to respond safely during a seizure and recognise situations that require urgent medical attention.

How Can Family Members Help During a Seizure?

Knowing what to do during a seizure can help reduce the risk of injury.

1. Stay Calm: Remain calm and stay with the person until the episode has ended.

2. Protect From Injury: Move nearby dangerous objects away and place something soft under the person’s head if possible.

3. Do Not Restrain the Person: Do not try to forcibly stop their movements.

4. Do Not Put Anything in the Mouth: Do not place food, water, medicine, or objects inside the person’s mouth during a seizure.

5. Turn Them to the Side: If possible and safe to do so, place the person on their side after the seizure, particularly if they are not fully alert.

6. Note the Duration: Keep track of how long the seizure lasts, as this information can be useful for medical assessment.

Seizures and Mental Health

Living with recurrent seizures can sometimes affect emotional well-being. Some individuals may experience anxiety about having another seizure, low mood, sleep difficulties, social withdrawal, or stress related to their condition.

Psychiatric support can help address these emotional and psychological concerns while the underlying seizure disorder continues to receive appropriate neurological care.

Seizure Disorders and Daily Life

People with seizure disorders may need to take precautions based on their individual condition and medical advice. Maintaining regular sleep, taking prescribed medicines consistently, attending follow-up appointments, and avoiding known triggers can be helpful.

Family members can also support the person by encouraging treatment adherence and being aware of their seizure action plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a seizure disorder? A seizure disorder involves episodes caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Epilepsy is one condition associated with recurrent seizures.

2. Does every seizure mean a person has epilepsy? No. Seizure-like episodes can have different causes, so appropriate medical evaluation is needed before determining the diagnosis.

3. Can a psychiatrist treat epilepsy? Epilepsy and neurological causes of seizures generally require neurological assessment and treatment. A psychiatrist can provide support for associated anxiety, depression, sleep problems, or other mental health concerns.

4. What should I do during a seizure? Keep the person safe, do not restrain them, do not put anything in their mouth, and note how long the episode lasts.

5. When is a seizure an emergency? Emergency medical help may be required if a seizure lasts unusually long, seizures occur repeatedly without recovery between them, the person has serious injuries or breathing difficulties, or it is their first suspected seizure.

6. Can stress affect seizures? Stress and lack of sleep may contribute to seizure risk in some people. Individual triggers can vary, so concerns should be discussed with the treating doctor.

Meet Dr. Shraddha Soni

Dr. Shraddha Soni is an MBBS, M.D. Psychiatry, FIPS qualified psychiatrist at Kosha Mind Care Clinic, Borivali West, Mumbai. She provides psychiatric assessment and support for individuals experiencing emotional, behavioural, sleep, and other mental health concerns associated with neurological conditions.

Book a Consultation for Seizure-Related Mental Health Support in Borivali

If you or a family member is experiencing emotional difficulties, anxiety, sleep problems, or other mental health concerns alongside seizure episodes, professional psychiatric support may help.

For suspected or recurrent seizures, appropriate neurological and medical evaluation is also important.

Kosha Mind Care Clinic
Dr. Shraddha Soni – MBBS, M.D. Psychiatry, FIPS
Borivali West, Mumbai
Appointments: 91585 86645