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Epilepsy Surgery Cost

Epilepsy affects almost 50 million people worldwide. Many patients don't get enough relief from medication alone. Surgery gives these patients hope and a chance to reduce or completely stop their seizures. This article breaks down everything related to epilepsy surgery costs in India. You will learn about different types of epilepsy surgery, what affects the price, risk factors, and how to decide if surgery might be right for your case.

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy disrupts electrical signals between brain cells and causes recurring seizures, affecting a person's feelings, behaviour, and movement. This neurological condition can develop in anyone, regardless of age, race, or background.

Brain cells of people with epilepsy struggle to communicate properly. The brain produces sudden electrical energy bursts instead of smooth, controlled signals. Doctors typically diagnose epilepsy after a patient experiences two or more unprovoked seizures that occur more than twenty-four hours apart.

The causes of epilepsy can vary by a lot. Some common triggers include:

  • Brain tumours or strokes
  • Imbalance in brain chemicals (neurotransmitters)
  • Brain damage from illness or injury
  • Genetic factors
  • Developmental disorders
  • Doctors cannot identify a specific cause in about half of all cases. 

People might experience these symptoms during a seizure:

  • Temporary confusion
  • Staring spells
  • Uncontrollable jerking movements
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Feelings of fear or anxiety
  • Sensations of déjà vu

What is Epilepsy Surgery?

Epilepsy brain surgery is a surgical procedure that involves various modalities to remove or destroy the affected brain tissues to treat and manage epileptic seizures. The type of surgery used to treat epileptic seizures depends on the area of the brain where seizures begin and the person's age. The following are the main types of epilepsy surgery:

  • Resective Surgery: Involves removing the portion of the brain where seizures originate, particularly the temporal lobe 
  • Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT): Utilises a laser to destroy seizure-inducing brain tissue precisely
  • Corpus Callosotomy: Involves partial or complete removal of the corpus callosum to prevent seizure spread between brain hemispheres.
  • Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): Involves implantation of a device in the chest that sends electrical signals to the brain through the vagus nerve.
  • Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Procedure: Involves implantation of electrodes deep inside the brain to disrupt seizure-causing activity

What is the Cost of Epilepsy Surgery in India?

Epilepsy surgery costs in India vary substantially based on the hospital's location and reputation. The procedure costs between Rs. 2,50,000 /- to Rs. 4,50,000 /-. Major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore charge more for surgical procedures. Patients can find affordable options in smaller towns.
The total cost of epilepsy surgery can vary based on the following factors:

  • Pre-surgical evaluations and tests
  • Hospital stay charges
  • Post-operative care expenses
  • Follow-up consultation 
  • Medication costs
  • The hospital's location and available facilities
  • Surgeon's expertise and experience
City Cost Range (in INR)
Epilepsy Cost in Hyderabad Rs. 2,50,000 /- to Rs. 3,50,000 /-
Epilepsy Cost in Raipur Rs. 2,00,000 /-  to Rs. 3,20,000 /-
Epilepsy Cost in Bhubaneswar Rs. 2,50,000 /- to Rs. 3,80,000 /-
Epilepsy Cost in Visakhapatnam Rs. 2,20,000 /- to Rs. 3,20,000 /-
Epilepsy Cost in Nagpur     Rs. 2,00,000 /- to Rs. 3,40,000 /-
Epilepsy Cost in Indore Rs. 2,00,000 /- to Rs. 3,30,000 /-
Epilepsy Cost in Aurangabad Rs. 2,00,000 /- to Rs. 3,50,000 /- 
Epilepsy Cost in India Rs. 2,00,000 /- to Rs. 4,50,000 /-

Who Needs Epilepsy Surgery?

Patients look to epilepsy surgery as their next treatment option when medications fail to control their seizures. Medical experts suggest a surgical evaluation after at least two anti-seizure medicines prove ineffective.

These patients make ideal candidates for epilepsy surgery:

  • Their seizures consistently happen in one brain area
  • Multiple medications haven't improved their condition
  • They experience frequent seizures that disrupt their daily life
  • The medication's side effects outweigh any benefits

Some patients may need this surgery to avoid serious problems from uncontrolled epilepsy, including:

  • Physical injuries during seizures
  • Risk of drowning during daily activities
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Memory and cognitive decline
  • Developmental delays in children

What Are the Risks Associated With Epilepsy?

Patients need to understand the epilepsy surgery risks, just like any other surgical procedure. Medical teams assess each case to ensure benefits outweigh potential risks.

General surgical risks include:

  • Reactions to anaesthesia
  • Bleeding complications
  • Risk of infection
  • Delayed healing at the surgical site

Brain-specific Complications that patients should know about:

  • Memory problems
  • Partial loss of sight
  • Weakness on one side of the body
  • Depression or mood changes
  • Speech difficulties
  • Double vision

Many of these complications may be temporary. Some patients see improvements in their memory and mood when their seizures are better controlled after surgery. The surgical team runs extensive pre-surgical tests to protect vital brain functions like speech, vision, and movement.

Conclusion

Epilepsy surgery brings new hope to patients when medications don't work well enough. Several factors affect the final price of surgery for epilepsy - the hospital's location, the type of surgery needed, and the surgeon's expertise.

Research shows successful surgeries help patients save money on healthcare in the long run. This makes surgery a smart investment for many people. Your decision about epilepsy surgery depends on your personal situation, finances, and medical needs.

The right timing is essential for the surgery's success. Earlier interventions typically show better results. Medical teams review each patient's case carefully. They weigh the benefits and risks before suggesting surgery. This complete picture helps doctors identify the right candidates who will benefit most.

FAQs

1. Is epilepsy a high-risk surgery?

Epilepsy surgery has some risks, yet studies show it remains a safe option for many patients thanks to careful patient selection and advanced surgical techniques. Temporary memory issues, mood changes, and vision adjustments rank among the most common complications.

2. How long does it take to recover from epilepsy surgery?

Most patients follow a predictable recovery timeline. Traditional surgery patients stay in the hospital for 3-5 days, while those who undergo minimally invasive procedures need only 1-2 nights. Key recovery milestones include:

  • Return to work or school: 4-6 weeks
  • Full physical activity: 6-8 weeks
  • Complete recovery: 2-3 months

3. Is epilepsy a major surgery?

Epilepsy surgery qualifies as a major procedure because it involves brain operation. The results are promising, with 84% of patients showing positive outcomes within 48 months after surgery.

4. How painful is epilepsy surgery?

Pain levels remain manageable for most patients after surgery. The standard pain management protocol starts with morphine for 24-48 hours, followed by codeine and paracetamol.

5. What is the age limit for epilepsy surgery?

Surgical eligibility doesn't depend on age alone. Older adults up to 70 can achieve results comparable to those of younger patients.

6. Can epilepsy be cured without surgery?

Some patients control their condition with medication alone. Yet 30-40% develop drug-resistant epilepsy that might need surgical intervention.

7. Can epilepsy come back after surgery?

Seizures can return after surgery. Research shows 82% of recurrences happen within 2 years, while 18% occur later. Success rates vary based on surgery type and individual patient factors.

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