Damage to the myelin sheath causes nerve transmissions from your brain to other parts of your body to be disrupted. The injury may cause symptoms in your brain, spinal cord, and eyes.

Multiple sclerosis is classified into four types:

1. Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS): When someone experiences their first instance of MS symptoms, healthcare clinicians frequently classify it as CIS. Not every person with CIS develops multiple sclerosis.
2. Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS): is the most frequent type of multiple sclerosis. People with RRMS experience flare-ups, also known as relapses or exacerbations, of new or worsened symptoms. Remission periods follow (when symptoms stabilize or go away).
3. Primary progressive MS (PPMS): People with PPMS have symptoms that deteriorate gradually over time, with no intervals of relapse or remission.
4. Secondary progressive MS (SPMS): Many people who are first diagnosed with RRMS subsequently develop SPMS. With secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis, nerve damage accumulates over time. Your symptoms worsen over time. While you may still have relapses or flares (when symptoms worsen), you no longer have periods of remission (when symptoms stabilise or go away).

What is the cause of multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Experts are still unsure what causes multiple sclerosis. There is continuing research to help determine what causes the condition. Factors that may precipitate MS include:

Exposure to specific viruses or bacteria: According to some study, being exposed to particular illnesses (such as the Epstein-Barr virus) can cause MS later in life.

Environment: Your environment may influence your risk of acquiring MS. Certain regions of the world have much greater rates of the disease than others. MS is more common in areas farthest from the equator. This could be because these areas receive less direct sunlight. People who get less sun have lower amounts of vitamin D, which is a risk factor for MS.

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune illness that affects your immune system. Researchers are trying to figure out what causes some people’s immune cells to assault healthy cells by mistake.

Gene mutations: Having a family member with MS raises your risk of developing the condition. However, it is still unclear how and which genes have a role in the onset of multiple sclerosis.

Vision issues, such as optic neuritis (blurriness and pain in one eye), are frequently among the early symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Other common symptoms are as follows:

• Fatigue.
• Balance or coordination problems.
• Spasms of the muscles.
• Muscle fatigue.
• Tingling or numbness, particularly in the legs or arms.

Diagnosis:

There is no single test that can offer a conclusive diagnosis of MS. A physical exam will be performed by your healthcare professional to determine what is causing your symptoms. Blood tests and imaging tests, such as an MRI, may also be performed. An MRI scan looks for lesions (damaged areas) in the brain or spinal cord that indicate multiple sclerosis. Lesions form when the myelin sheath that surrounds the nerves is damaged. A spinal tap (lumbar puncture) may also be required.

If these tests do not yield a clear answer, your neurologist may advise you to undergo an evoked potential test. This test measures electrical activity in the brain and spinal cord to assess nerve function.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is controlled or treated in what ways?

There is no cure for MS at the moment. Treatment focuses on symptom management, decreasing relapses (times when symptoms flare), and slowing disease progression. Your comprehensive treatment plan may contain the following components:

1. Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs): Medications aid in the reduction of relapses (also called flare-ups or attacks). They slow the progression of the disease. They can also prevent new lesions on the brain and spinal cord from occurring.
2. Medications for relapse management: If you have a severe attack, your neurologist may prescribe a large dose of corticosteroids. The medicine reduces inflammation immediately. They slow the deterioration of the myelin sheath that surrounds your nerve cells.
3. Physical therapy: Multiple sclerosis can impair your physical function. Maintaining your mobility will be easier if you stay physically healthy and muscular.
4. Counseling for mental health: Coping with a chronic ailment can be emotionally taxing. MS can also have an impact on your mood and memory. Working with a neuropsychologist or receiving other forms of emotional support is critical to managing the disease.

How can I avoid a relapse of multiple sclerosis?

Disease-modifying medicines are the most effective strategy to lessen the frequency of flare-ups (also known as relapses or attacks). A healthy lifestyle is also essential. Your choices can help halt illness development. Good medical care can also reduce your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.

Among the lifestyle adjustments that can help your condition are:

1. Eating a healthy diet: There is no such thing as a miracle MS diet. Experts advocate a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean protein. Limit your intake of added sugars, bad fats, and processed meals as well.
2. Regular physical activity: Muscle weakness, loss of balance, and trouble walking are all symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Aerobic activity, flexibility, and strength training are all necessary for maintaining muscle strength and physical function.
3. Stress management: Stress can have both physical and emotional consequences. It can also disrupt sleep, exacerbating MS-related tiredness. It’s critical to discover techniques to cope with stress, such as yoga, meditation, exercise, and working with a mental health professional.

When should I consult a doctor?

If you have any of the following symptoms, you should contact your doctor:

• Sensitivity to heat.
• Feeling wobbly or out of sorts.
• Memory issues.
• Numbness or tingling, particularly in the arms or legs.
• Vision shifts unexpectedly.
• You may experience arm or leg weakness.

Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Most persons with the condition are diagnosed beyond the age of 65. If it is detected before then, it is known as “younger onset” or “early onset” Alzheimer’s disease.

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, although there are therapies that can reduce the disease’s course.

Alzheimer’s disease facts:

1. Although most people have heard about Alzheimer’s disease, it’s important to understand the facts. Here are some important facts concerning this condition:
2. Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic (ongoing) disorder. It is not a normal ageing indication.
3. Alzheimer’s and dementia are not synonymous. Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia.
4. Its symptoms appear gradually, and its effects on the brain are degenerative, causing steady degeneration.
5. Alzheimer’s disease can affect anyone, although certain people are predisposed to it. People above the age of 65 and those with a family history of the illness are included.
6. There is no single predicted prognosis for Alzheimer’s patients. Some people live for a long time with mild cognitive impairment, whilst others have a more fast start of symptoms and disease development.
7. There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, however treatment can help reduce the illness’s progression and may improve quality of life. Each person’s experience with Alzheimer’s disease is unique.

Alzheimer’s disease symptoms

Everyone has moments of forgetfulness now and then. However, patients with Alzheimer’s disease have persistent habits and symptoms that worsen over time. These are some examples:

• Memory loss that interferes with daily activities such as maintaining appointments.
• Difficulties with familiar tasks, such as using a microwave Difficulties with problem-solving Difficulties with speech or writing Difficulties with time or place.
• reduced judgement.
• reduced personal hygiene.
• alterations in mood and personality.
• isolation from friends, family, and the community.

These symptoms do not always indicate Alzheimer’s disease. It is critical to consult a doctor to determine the cause.

Symptoms vary depending on the stage of the disease. People with Alzheimer’s sometimes have severe difficulty talking, moving, or responding to what’s going on around them in the later stages.

Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis

The only sure way to tell if someone has Alzheimer’s is to study their brain tissue after death. Other examinations and tests, however, can be used by a doctor to examine your mental ability, identify dementia, and rule out other disorders.

The doctor will almost certainly begin by taking a medical history. They may inquire about your:

• Symptoms, family medical history, and any other present or previous health concerns.
• current or previous drugs.
• Diet, alcohol consumption, and other lifestyle factors.
• Following that, your doctor will most likely prescribe a battery of tests to identify whether you have Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease testing

Alzheimer’s disease has no reliable test. However, psychological, physical, neurological, and imaging testing can assist your doctor in making a diagnosis.

Your doctor may begin with a mental status examination. This can help them evaluate your:

• memory (short-term).
• memory retention.
• orientation to location and time.

For example, they may inquire:

• Which day is it?
• Who is the president?
• to recollect and remember a brief list of words

Following that, they will most likely perform a physical examination. For example, they could:

• Examine your blood pressure.
• examine your heart rate.
• check your temperature.
• in some situations, order urine or blood testing.

Your doctor may also perform a neurological exam to rule out other possible diseases, such as an infection or stroke.

Brain imaging studies may also be ordered by your doctor. These examinations, which provide images of your brain, may include:

Scan with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRIs can detect crucial signs like inflammation, haemorrhage, and structural abnormalities.

CT (computed tomography) scan CT scans produce X-ray images that can assist your doctor in looking for abnormalities in your brain.

Other examinations Your doctor may order blood tests to look for genes that indicate a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Causes and risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease

Although no specific cause of Alzheimer’s disease has been established, experts have identified several risk factors, including:

Age. The majority of persons who develop Alzheimer’s disease are 65 or older.

A family tree. You are more prone to have the disorder if you have an immediate family member who has.

Genetics. Alzheimer’s disease has been linked to specific genes.

The presence of one or more of these risk factors does not guarantee the development of Alzheimer’s disease. It simply increases your danger.

Alzheimer’s disease stages

Alzheimer’s is a progressive illness, which means that the symptoms will worsen with time. There are seven major steps to consider:

Pre-dementia and mild cognitive impairment, stages 1-3

At this moment, there are no symptoms. If you have a family history of Alzheimer’s but no symptoms, you should consult a doctor about healthy ageing practices.

Stage 2: The first symptoms, such as forgetfulness, develop.

Stage-3: Mild physical and cognitive problems, such as impaired memory and focus, develop in Stage 3. Learning new skills may become more difficult. Only those who are really close to the person may notice these changes.

Dementia (stages 4–7)

Stage 4. Alzheimer’s disease is frequently detected at this stage, but it is still regarded as mild. Memory loss and difficulties performing daily duties are common symptoms.

Stage 5: Moderate to severe symptoms will necessitate the assistance of loved ones or caretakers. This is required to guarantee that daily needs, such as eating meals and maintaining the home, are addressed.

Stage 6:At this point, a person with Alzheimer’s will require assistance with basic routines such as eating, dressing, and toileting.

Stage 7. This is the most advanced and last stage of Alzheimer’s disease. Speech and facial expressions typically deteriorate throughout time. Movement is likely to be restricted.

As a person progresses through these stages, they will require more assistance from their carers.

Consult your doctor about coping techniques for these changes. Appropriate care can assist you in preserving your comfort and quality of life for as long as feasible.

It’s also critical to talk about your care plan with your loved ones. As the condition progresses, people with Alzheimer’s will require more assistance with medical decisions.

People with Alzheimer’s disease normally live for 4 to 8 years after diagnosis, while some can live for up to 20 years.

Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention

There is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease, and there are no infallible preventive methods. For the time being, the best tools we have to avoid cognitive decline are health-promoting lifestyle choices.

The following steps may be useful:

• Attempt to quit smoking. If you smoke, quitting has immediate and long-term health benefits.

• Regular exercise is essential. Physical activity lowers the risk of a variety of illnesses, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

• Maintain cerebral activity. Experiment with some cognitive training tasks.

• Eat healthily. Consume a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

• Maintain a social life that is lively. Friendships, volunteering, and hobbies will almost certainly boost your general health.

• Before making any major changes to your lifestyle, consult with your doctor.

Researchers have yet to discover a definitive aetiology of migraine. However, they continue to believe that the illness is caused by “abnormal” brain activity that affects nerve communication, neurotransmitters, and blood vessels in the brain.

There are numerous migraine triggers that are frequently reported, including:

1. Bright lights.
2. Dehydration caused by intense heat or other conditions.
3. Hormone variations in those assigned female at birth, such as oestrogen and progesterone Fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause.
4. Excessive tension, loud noises, and strenuous physical activity.
5. Missing meals.
6. Sleep pattern changes.
7. Peculiar odours caused by the use of certain drugs, such as oral contraceptives or nitroglycerin.
8. Specific foods.
9. Consuming alcoholic beverages when travelling.

If you have a migraine attack, your doctor may request that you keep a headache journal. Writing down what you were doing, what foods you ate, and what medications you were taking before the onset of your migraine attack will help you discover your triggers.

Migraine relief

Migraine cannot be cured, but your doctor can help you manage it by giving you tools to treat symptoms as they arise, which may lead to fewer attacks in general. Treatment can also help migraines become less severe.

Migraine is a neurological disorder that can induce a variety of symptoms in addition to “very awful headaches.”

The illness frequently runs in families and can affect people of various ages. People who are assigned female at birth are more likely to be diagnosed with migraine than people who are assigned male at birth.

Migraine is diagnosed based on clinical history, reported symptoms, and the exclusion of other causes. The most prevalent types of migraine headaches (or attacks) are episodic vs chronic, followed by those without and with aura.

How does a migraine feel?

It can feel like a strong, dull, and constant ache. The ache may begin mildly. However, if not treated, it can progress from mild to severe.

Migraine pain is most typically felt in the forehead. It normally affects one side of the head, however it might affect both sides or shift.

The average migraine attack lasts roughly 4 hours. They can linger for 72 hours to a week if they are not treated or do not respond to treatment. In migraine with aura, pain may overlap with or disappear entirely.

Migraine cannot be cured, but your doctor can help you manage it by giving you tools to treat symptoms as they arise, which may lead to fewer attacks in general. Treatment can also help migraines become less severe.

Your treatment plan is determined by: 

• Your chronological age.
• How frequently do you suffer migraine attacks.
• The type of migraine you suffer from.
• How severe they are – depending on how long they continue, how much pain you experience, and how frequently they prevent you from attending school or working.
• Whether they involve nausea and vomiting, in addition to other symptoms.
• Other medical conditions you may have and medications you may be taking.

Your treatment plan may include a combination of the following:

• Lifestyle changes, such as stress management and avoiding migraine triggers.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen are examples of over-the-counter pain or migraine remedies (Tylenol)
• Prescription migraine drugs that you take on a daily basis to assist prevent migraine headaches and minimise the frequency with which you experience headaches.
• Prescription migraine drugs that you take as soon as an attack begins in order to prevent it from getting severe and to alleviate symptoms.
• Prescription drugs for nausea and vomiting.
• If your migraines appear to be related to your menstrual cycle, you may benefit from hormone therapy.
• counselling.
• meditation, acupressure, or acupuncture are examples of complementary care.

If you’ve been diagnosed with migraine, you have a few alternatives for preventing an attack. Some may be more suitable for you than others:

• Learn which foods, fragrances, and situations set off your migraine attacks and avoid them whenever possible.
• Keep hydrated. Dehydration can cause dizziness and headaches.
• When possible, avoid skipping meals.
• Prioritize good sleep. A good night’s sleep is essential for healthy health.
• Stop smoking.
• Make stress reduction a priority in your life.
• Spend time and effort cultivating relaxation techniques.
• Regular exercise is essential. Exercise has been related to lower levels of stress.

TYPES OF STROKE :

1. Brain strokes are majorly of 2 types i.e Ischemic and Hemorrhagic.
2. Ischemic is a type of brain stroke which can occur due to sudden reduction of oxygen, blood and other vitals to the brain, this happens when there is a major blockage in the brain arteries also known as Atherosclerosis.
3. Hemorrhagic is a type of brain stroke where internal bleeding of the brain occurs due to bursting of the brain arteries.
4. According to statistics, 80 percent of the strokes are Ischemic and 20 percent of strokes are Hemorrhagic.

REASONS FOR A BRAIN STROKE

It is known that men who are above 40 are slightly more likely to suffer a stroke than women and the rate of brain stroke in women is more than that of breast cancer. A stroke can occur due to various reasons such as the following.

Reasons for Ischemic stroke:

• Irregular and abnormal heartbeat which is diagnosed as Atrial Fibrillation, in such a case the clot travels from neck or even heart and resides in the brain’s blood vessels. This type of ischemic stroke is known as Embolic.
• Patients suffering from diabetes or hypertension have higher chances of tiny blood vessels of their brain getting choked & blocked. This type of stroke is known as Lacunar.
• A disease known as arteriosclerosis where the arteries get hardened can also lead to clots in the brain vessels. This form of brain stroke is known as Thrombotic.

Reasons for Hemorrhagic stroke:

Aneurysms are the weakest spots of the brain’s arteries, where the blood vessel bursts and a pool of blood covers the brain. This form of hemorrhagic stroke is known as Subarachnoid.

Old age, Diabetes and hypertension to an extreme can also cause the blood vessels in the brain to weaken and burst, leading to bleeding in the brain.

SYMPTOMS OF A STROKE:

• Sudden numbness and unable to move one side of the face or hands or leg, usually happens at either side of the body.
• Sudden mental confusion, unable to understand or grasp things, unable to speak even at utmost efforts, difficulty understanding speech.
• Unable to walk straight, dizziness and improper body coordination.
• Extreme unexplainable headache.
• Loss of vision in one or both eyes.

FACTORS LEADING TO A STROKE : The primary factors leading to stroke are.

• Excessive tobacco consumption.
• Hypertension.
• High cholesterol levels.
• Diabetes mellitus.
•  Obesity.
• Ongoing/ Underlying heart disease.
• Excessive consumption of Alcohol.

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A STROKE?

Time is the most essential criteria in case of an ongoing stroke. 60 mins/1 Hour. The person suffering from a stroke should be taken to a hospital for medical assistance within 60 minutes, because even the medical team needs time to diagnose and treat the patient. If done so, there are maximum chances the patient will recover with almost no permanent side effects and no threat to life. 3 to 6 hours is known as the critical time for any patient ongoing with a stroke because it’s treatment is best effective in the first 3 to 6 hours as post that critical time the brain cells are damaged and dead to an irreversible stage that any form of medication would not really help at that stage.

TREATMENT FOR A BRAIN STROKE :

• There are primarily 2 major forms of medicines given to patients ongoing with a stroke i.e Actilyse and Novoseven.
• In case of ischemic stroke, Actilyse or medically known as intravenous tissue plasminogen activator is used.
• In case of an hemorrhage intravenous activated recombinant factor VII or simply Novoseven is used.
• It is to be noted that the patient is first admitted in the I.C.U and the above mentioned are primary medications used and not the only medications. Both these medications after a few hours of stroke are absolutely ineffective and the brain cells would be dead by that time.

HOW LONG WILL THE PATIENT BE HOSPITALIZED 

A patient is generally admitted in the hospital for anywhere between 4 to 6 days after a stroke. There are chances the duration might be prolonged if the patient develops any form of infections or the patient might require advanced therapies for muscle, vision or speech improvement.

POST RECOVERY PRECAUTIONS 

After the patient is discharged and sent home, the doctor would prescribe majorly anticoagulants for a decent period of time hence the blood pressure, and blood sugar levels and prothrombin time (PT/INR) are to be routinely monitored. Along with that, cholesterol lowering medicines, Aspirin, medicines to control blood sugar and hypertension could also be prescribed.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR THE PATIENT TO COMPLETELY RECOVER 

• The complete recovery time of the patient is not a fixed as The time varies from patient to patient depending upon their age, severity of the stroke, type of stroke, type of treatment and the time of treatment once the stroke occurred and the side effects of the stroke if any.
• In cases where a young patient has been given timely medical assistance and has had a mild stroke of ischemic category, he/ she may recover fully in a few days.
• In cases where older patients suffer a stroke or hemorrhage and have received last moment treatment, they might require anywhere between a few weeks to months to recover as there are high chances they might need routine therapy as well.

The field of neuroplastic surgery deals with the reconstruction of patients who have obvious malformations as a result of neurosurgical procedures. These abnormalities can include skull reconstruction (also known as “cranioplasty”), temporal hollowing or wasting, difficult spinal wound repairs, or obvious back and neck deformities following spine surgery.

• The surgical repair of a bone deficiency in the skull caused by a prior procedure or accident is known as cranioplasty. While there are several distinct types of cranioplasties, the most entail raising the scalp and reshaping the skull using either the original piece of bone or a specially moulded graft composed of material like: Titanium plate.
• Artificial bone in place of (in liquid form).
• A stable biomaterial (prefabricated customised implant to match the exact contour and shape of the skull).

Any of the following justifications could lead to a cranioplasty

Protection:

A cranial defect may leave the brain susceptible to injury in some areas.

Functionality:

For some patients, cranial augmentation may enhance neurological performance. In some cases, a personalised cranial implant is created in advance to aid the surgeon in achieving the desired form and result and to contain embedded neuro technology.

A visible skull deformity can have an aesthetic impact on a patient’s look and self-confidence.

Headaches:

Headaches brought on by prior surgery or trauma can be lessened with cranialplasties.

You receive a general anaesthesia in the operation room. The team arranges you once you are unconscious to allow the surgeons the best possible access to the bone defect. After shaving and applying antiseptic to the incision site, you are covered with drapes so that just the surgical site is visible.

After administering a local anaesthetic, the surgeon will delicately remove the layers of skin on your scalp, safeguarding the dura, which surrounds the brain. Before placing the bone or implant in the defect, the team cleans the edges of the surrounding bone and prepares the surface. Then, screws, plates, or both are used to bind the object to the cranial bones.

The team pulls the scalp back to its original position with the bone or implant in place, bleeding is managed, and the incision is stitched shut with nylon suture. A tiny suction drain might also still be in place to help you get rid of any extra fluid. In a few days, the drain will be taken out.

Post Procedure:

• Before you feel entirely back to normal, it can take some time.
• You’ll feel worn out.
• It is typical to feel the need for a nap in the afternoon.
• You might get sporadic headaches.
• You will make appointments to have your stitches removed one week and three to four weeks after surgery.
• You could need therapy, depending on how quickly you recover from any preoperative disabilities.

Contact your surgery team IMMEDIATELY if you notice

An intensifying headache, call your surgical team IMMEDIATELY:

1. Fever.
2. Seizures.
3. Infection within the wound or surrounding swelling.
4. Wound releasing fluid.

For adult and paediatric patients who may benefit from a neuroplastic approach when they have brain surgery or other procedures that could alter the shape of the head and face, Omni Hospitals provides neuroplastic surgery. A plastic surgeon and a neurosurgeon working together can prevent the flaws in the first place as opposed to fixing the symmetry after the fact.

Patients at any level of care can benefit from neuroplastic therapies. Innovative neuroplastic techniques can be utilised to correct problems from earlier treatments or treat untreated skull abnormalities.

The Neuroplastic Approach’s advantages:

Although neurosurgeons are experts in the brain, they also have the knowledge necessary to handle problems after brain surgery that could change how the skull and the soft and hard tissues around it look. You have the best of both worlds when a neurosurgeon and a craniofacial plastic surgeon team up to treat your problem and simultaneously reconstruct any associated skull deformities.

These and additional after-effects of specific types of brain and skull surgery, which a plastic surgeon can assist prevent and remedy:

1. Visual head constriction at the temples (temporal hollowing).
2. The removal of a bone fragment revealed a depressed area in the skull.
3. A neurological implant that is unattractive or uncomfortable (used to treat Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, or other problems).

To prevent and treat conditions affecting the brain, spine, and nerves, neurosurgical treatments are required. Changes to a patient’s head or facial structure may emerge from these illnesses and the ensuing operations. However, patients can still have facial or skull malformations despite neurosurgeons’ best attempts to minimise modifications.

Plastic surgery gives patients the self-assurance to get back to their life, whether they need surgical procedures for a traumatic brain injury or desire to reduce scars. The long-term health outcomes for patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures are significantly influenced by plastic surgery. Neuroplastic surgery not only treats the physical deformities brought on by head trauma, but it also gives patients hope. Our team prioritises enhancing patient wellbeing, reducing problems, and restoring looks. By doing this, neurosurgical patients can confidently return to their daily lives.

Both males or females can suffer from epilepsy irrespective of ethnicity or age. Anyone including children can develop epilepsy.

A person who has two unprovoked seizures (or one unprovoked seizure with a probability of another) is said to be suffering from epilepsy.

During a seizure, the brain experiences burst of electrical activity which causes different movements like shaking, teeth chattering, etc. Each one experiences seizure in a different way. Seizures typically have three stages. But not everyone experiences all three stages.

The first stage which is also called as prodrome is when a person experiences signs of a seizure. A person may go through mood changes, negative thoughts, racing thoughts, déjà vu. Physical changes like sweating, nausea, dizziness, changes in heartbeat, headache, blurry vision, unusual tastes, loss of hearing or hearing noises may be the signs of a forthcoming seizure.

In some cases, the first stage of ‘aura’ or warning is not experienced. The second stage, ictal is the actual stage of seizure. During this stage, there is a frenzy of electrical signals in the brain. One loses awareness or hallucinates. One may experience memory lapse, trouble in speaking, drooling, loss in muscle control, palpitations, body convulsions and twitching.

The final stage is called as postictal. In the brain tries to regain control of nerve cell activity. One may take some time to get back to their usual self. The recovery period may differ from person to person. Physical effects like fatigue, headache, fear and anxiety, stomach ache, weakness or soreness in muscles are experienced post-seizure.

In 50% of the cases, an exact reason for epilepsy cannot be determined. In the other 50% of the cases following can be the causes:

• Herediatary: Epilepsy can be transferred through genetics if any brain abnormality runs in the family.
• Head injury: Epilepsy can be experienced post a serious accident or a traumatic head injury.
• Developmental disorders: Certain developmental disorders like autism and neurofibromatosis can be associated with epilepsy.
• Prenatal injury: An infection to mother during pregnancy, or lack of oxygen may lead to brain injury during pregnancy which may later manifest as epilepsy or cerebral palsy.
• Brain Tumour: Brain tumours or brain strokes can cause epilepsy. The cause of epilepsy in older people is brain tumours or strokes.

Symptoms of epilepsy:

A seizure is a major symptom of epilepsy. Some people may experience an ‘aura’ before the seizure. The symptoms of a seizure are:

• Jerky movements
• Sense of Vomiting
• Sense of Dizziness
• A sense of uneasiness in stomach
• Faster heart rate (palpitations)
• Occasional loss of memory
• Confusion
• Losing consciousness
• Vigorous body movements, tongue bites
• Uncontrolled bladder
• Purposeless gaze
• Disorientation
• Abnormal smell

The symptoms experienced varies from person to person.

Diagnosis of epilepsy:

To diagnose epilepsy the doctor will study the medical history and the symptoms. Further, neurological and blood tests are performed to understand the causes of epilepsy. Tests suggested for diagnosis of epilepsy are:

• Electroencephalogram (EEG)
• Video EEG
• Computerised Tomography (CT)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Epilepsy Protocol
• Functional MRI (fMRI)
• Positron emission tomography (PET)
• Single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT)
• Neuropsychological tests

Treatment of epilepsy:

The first step of treatment of epilepsy is medication. Most people get cured of seizures after a dose of antiepileptics or anti-seizure drugs. The other people are prescribed with a combination of medications. The patients are prescribed antiepileptics like levetiracetam, oxetal and gabapentin. After a certain duration, with reduced or no seizures, patients can discontinue medications with doctor’s consent.

When adequate response is not obtained from epilepsy medication, the doctor’s choose surgery as a mode of treatment. The surgery is suggested only when:

• The exact region of a person’s brain is identified as the cause of epilepsy
• The region of surgery does not interfere with other vital functions of the body

Epilepsy can be treated through therapies like vagus nerve stimulation, ketogenic diet and deep brain stimulation.

Diagnosis

Omni takes pride in being one the best Neurology hospitals in Hyderabad with cutting-edge technology and stellar team of top Neurologists in Hyderabad are pros at multidisciplinary diagnosis. Patients suffering from multiple sclerosis and headaches are given expert medical care by taking their lifestyle, habits, and lineage in consideration.  

We treat conditions and disorders such as:

• Migraine.
• Epilepsy.
• Neuro disorders.
• Paralysis.
• Weakness.
• Speech disorders.
• Craniofacial anomalies.
• Dizziness.
• Difficulty in balancing.
• Frequent unconsciousness.
• Headaches.

Facilities 

Omni hospital has best-in-class modern equipment to treat all kinds of neuro disorders and neurological emergencies with utmost care. Our team of experienced neurologists and neurosurgeons in Hyderabad are well equipped with extensive multidisciplinary knowledge to offer neuro-rehabilitation to patients suffering from neurological disorders. We use advanced technology such as:

• Magnetic Resonance imaging.
• Interventional NeuroRadiology.
• Holistic neurophysiology lab. 
• Backups for Neurosurgery and Neuro-pathology.
• Neuro-radiology.
• CT scan.
• Electro-Encephalogram (EEG).
• Nerve stimulation test.
• Electro-myography. 

Clinical Team

The Department of Neurology and Neuro Surgery at Omni Hospitals is reputed for the qualified team that is capable of handling any kind of emergency and elective medical conditions. Our experienced doctors have the necessary expertise to conduct all types of complex surgeries pertaining to the brain. The department is equipped to perform disc replacements, skull base surgeries and complex spine surgeries with round-the-clock support facility. The neurosurgery facility at Omni has a dedicated ‘Critical Care Unit’ with ventilators, online monitors, ICP monitors, central oxygen and suction, operating microscopes, and neuroendoscopy.

Sub Specialities

Services

• Epilepsy clinic
• Stroke clinic
• Head-ache clinic

Facilities

• EEG
• EMG
• BERA
• CT scan
• Operating microscope
• High-speed drill
• Spiral CT scan

Surgeries

• Craniotomy
• Spine fixations
• Laminectomy
• Stroke surgery
• Epilepsy surgery
• Micro-neurosurgery for all types of intracranial tumors
• Intensive trauma management

Listen to Dr Varaprasad, Neuro Surgeon at Omni Hospitals Kukatpally, talk about various Neuro diseases, their causes and other lesser known facts about the organ.