What Causes Epilepsy? Symptoms, Treatment & Can It Be Cured?
What Causes Epilepsy? Symptoms, Treatment & Can It Be Cured?
A clinically grounded guide to understanding epilepsy — from its root causes and warning signs to modern treatment options available in Jaipur.
By the Apex Hospitals Neurology Team · Published July 2025
Understanding Epilepsy: More Than Just Seizures
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders in the world, yet it remains widely misunderstood. Neurologists in Jaipur at Apex Hospitals regularly see patients who have lived with undiagnosed or poorly managed epilepsy for years — often because early symptoms were dismissed or misattributed to stress, sleep deprivation, or anxiety.
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 50 million people worldwide have epilepsy, making it one of the most prevalent neurological conditions globally. In India, estimates suggest around 10–12 million people are affected — yet a significant proportion remain undiagnosed or untreated, particularly in semi-urban and rural Rajasthan.
This article explains what epilepsy is, what causes it, how to recognise its symptoms, and what modern treatment looks like — including whether a cure is possible.
What Is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterised by recurrent, unprovoked seizures — episodes of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. A single seizure does not constitute epilepsy; the diagnosis typically requires two or more unprovoked seizures occurring more than 24 hours apart, or one seizure with a high risk of recurrence.
Seizures can vary enormously in presentation — from brief lapses in awareness (absence seizures) to full convulsions involving the entire body (tonic-clonic seizures). This variability is one reason epilepsy is often under-recognised, especially in children and older adults.
The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) classifies epilepsy by seizure type, epilepsy type, and epilepsy syndrome — a framework that guides treatment decisions and prognosis.
What Causes Epilepsy?
Epilepsy does not have a single cause. In roughly half of all cases, no specific cause is identified — this is called idiopathic epilepsy, which often has a genetic basis. In the remaining cases, a structural, metabolic, infectious, immune, or unknown cause can be found.
1. Genetic Factors
Many epilepsy syndromes — particularly those beginning in childhood — have a clear genetic component. Mutations in ion channel genes (such as SCN1A in Dravet syndrome) disrupt normal electrical signalling in the brain. A family history of epilepsy increases individual risk, though having a relative with epilepsy does not guarantee the condition will be inherited.
2. Brain Injury or Trauma
Head injuries — whether from road traffic accidents, falls, or sports — can damage brain tissue and create scar tissue that acts as a seizure focus. Post-traumatic epilepsy can develop months or even years after the original injury. Apex Hospitals' emergency and trauma care team in Jaipur works closely with neurology to monitor at-risk patients following significant head trauma.
3. Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease
Stroke is one of the leading causes of epilepsy in adults over 35. When blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted — either by a clot or a bleed — the resulting brain damage can trigger seizure activity. Managing cardiovascular risk factors is therefore an important part of epilepsy prevention in older adults.
4. Brain Tumours
Both primary brain tumours and metastatic lesions can irritate surrounding brain tissue and provoke seizures. In some patients, a new-onset seizure in adulthood is the first sign of an underlying tumour. Prompt imaging — MRI or CT — is essential in such cases. Apex Hospitals' oncology team and neurosurgeons collaborate on cases where seizures are tumour-related.
5. Infections of the Central Nervous System
Meningitis, encephalitis, neurocysticercosis (a parasitic infection caused by tapeworm larvae), and cerebral malaria are significant causes of epilepsy in India. Neurocysticercosis in particular is a leading cause of adult-onset epilepsy in Rajasthan and other parts of the country, often linked to poor sanitation and consumption of undercooked pork.
6. Developmental and Prenatal Causes
Brain malformations that occur during foetal development — such as cortical dysplasia or tuberous sclerosis — can predispose a child to epilepsy from birth. Birth complications involving oxygen deprivation (hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy) are another important cause in neonates and infants.
7. Metabolic and Autoimmune Conditions
Electrolyte imbalances (low sodium, calcium, or blood glucose), thyroid disorders, and autoimmune encephalitis (where the immune system attacks brain tissue) can all trigger seizures. These causes are particularly important to identify because treating the underlying condition often resolves the seizures. The endocrinology team at Apex Hospitals works alongside neurologists when metabolic causes are suspected.
Recognising Epilepsy Symptoms
Seizure symptoms depend on which part of the brain is affected and how widely the abnormal electrical activity spreads. Common presentations include:
Tonic-clonic seizures (grand mal): Sudden loss of consciousness, body stiffening (tonic phase) followed by rhythmic jerking (clonic phase). The person may cry out, fall, and be confused or sleepy afterwards.
Absence seizures (petit mal): Brief episodes — often just a few seconds — of staring blankly, unresponsiveness, and subtle eye blinking. Common in children and often mistaken for daydreaming.
Focal (partial) seizures: Abnormal activity confined to one brain region. Symptoms depend on location — motor symptoms (jerking of one limb), sensory disturbances (tingling, visual changes), or autonomic symptoms (nausea, racing heart). The person may remain conscious (focal aware) or lose awareness (focal impaired awareness).
Myoclonic seizures: Sudden, brief muscle jerks — often in the arms or shoulders — typically occurring in the morning.
Atonic seizures (drop attacks): Sudden loss of muscle tone causing the person to collapse without warning.
Aura: Some people experience a warning sensation before a seizure — an unusual smell, a rising feeling in the stomach, déjà vu, or visual disturbances. An aura is itself a focal seizure.
When to seek urgent care: A seizure lasting more than five minutes, or a series of seizures without recovery in between (status epilepticus), is a medical emergency. Call for help immediately. Apex Hospitals' 24×7 emergency department in Jaipur is equipped to manage acute seizure emergencies.
How Is Epilepsy Diagnosed?
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective epilepsy management. A neurologist will take a detailed history — including a description of the seizure from a witness — and may order:
Electroencephalogram (EEG): Records electrical activity in the brain and can identify abnormal patterns characteristic of epilepsy.
MRI brain: Detects structural causes such as tumours, cortical dysplasia, hippocampal sclerosis, or vascular malformations.
Blood tests: Rule out metabolic causes (electrolyte imbalances, glucose, thyroid function, autoimmune markers).
Neuropsychological assessment: Evaluates cognitive function, particularly important when surgery is being considered.
At Apex Hospitals, on-site MRI, CT, and laboratory services mean that a comprehensive diagnostic workup can be completed without the patient needing to travel to multiple facilities — a significant advantage for families coming from across Rajasthan.
Epilepsy Treatment: What Are the Options?
The goal of epilepsy treatment is seizure freedom — or at minimum, a significant reduction in seizure frequency — with the fewest possible side effects. Treatment is tailored to the individual based on seizure type, epilepsy syndrome, age, gender, and comorbidities.
Anti-Seizure Medications (ASMs)
Medication is the first-line treatment for epilepsy. There are now more than 25 licensed anti-seizure medications available, each with different mechanisms of action, efficacy profiles, and side-effect considerations. Approximately 60–70% of people with epilepsy achieve good seizure control with medication alone. Common first-line agents include sodium valproate, levetiracetam, lamotrigine, and carbamazepine — chosen based on seizure type and patient factors.
Women of childbearing age require particular care in medication selection, as some ASMs carry teratogenic risk. The obstetrics and gynaecology team at Apex Hospitals works alongside neurologists to support women with epilepsy through pregnancy planning and antenatal care.
Epilepsy Surgery
For patients with drug-resistant epilepsy — defined as failure of two or more appropriately chosen and dosed ASMs — surgery may offer the possibility of seizure freedom. The most common procedure is temporal lobe resection for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy, which achieves seizure freedom in 60–80% of carefully selected patients. The neurosurgery team at Apex Hospitals uses advanced operating microscopes and neuro-navigation systems to perform these procedures with precision.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) and Neuromodulation
For patients who are not surgical candidates, vagus nerve stimulation — a device implanted under the skin that delivers electrical impulses to the brain via the vagus nerve — can reduce seizure frequency by 50% or more in a significant proportion of patients. Responsive neurostimulation (RNS) and deep brain stimulation (DBS) are newer options for carefully selected cases.
Dietary Therapies
The ketogenic diet — a high-fat, very low-carbohydrate diet — has strong evidence for reducing seizures in children with drug-resistant epilepsy, particularly certain genetic epilepsy syndromes. Modified Atkins and low glycaemic index diets are less restrictive alternatives. Dietary therapy is supervised by a neurologist and a specialist dietitian. Apex Hospitals' dietetics and nutrition team supports patients on ketogenic and modified dietary protocols.
Psychological and Rehabilitation Support
Living with epilepsy carries a significant psychological burden — anxiety, depression, and social stigma are common. Cognitive rehabilitation and psychological support are integral parts of comprehensive epilepsy care. Apex Hospitals' psychiatry and physiotherapy and rehabilitation teams provide this support as part of a holistic care pathway.
Can Epilepsy Be Cured?
This is the question most patients and families ask first — and the honest answer is: it depends on the type of epilepsy.
Some epilepsy syndromes are self-limiting. Childhood absence epilepsy and benign rolandic epilepsy, for example, often resolve spontaneously by adolescence, and medication can eventually be withdrawn without seizure recurrence. In this sense, these conditions can be considered effectively cured.
For epilepsy caused by a treatable underlying condition — a brain tumour that is successfully removed, a metabolic disorder that is corrected, or a CNS infection that is treated — seizures may cease permanently once the cause is addressed.
For drug-resistant focal epilepsy, surgery offers the best chance of long-term seizure freedom. Studies show that 60–80% of patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy become seizure-free after surgery, and many are eventually able to reduce or discontinue medication.
For other epilepsy types — particularly genetic generalised epilepsies — long-term medication is usually required, though many patients achieve complete seizure control and live full, unrestricted lives. The concept of epilepsy remission (being seizure-free for five or more years, with or without medication) is a realistic goal for the majority of patients.
The key message: epilepsy is not a life sentence. With accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and specialist follow-up, most people with epilepsy can achieve meaningful seizure control and excellent quality of life.
Living Well With Epilepsy: Practical Guidance
Beyond medication, several lifestyle factors influence seizure control:
Sleep: Sleep deprivation is one of the most common seizure triggers. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is essential.
Alcohol and substances: Alcohol lowers the seizure threshold and can interact with anti-seizure medications. Avoiding or strictly limiting alcohol is strongly advised.
Stress management: Emotional stress can trigger seizures in susceptible individuals. Mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and psychological support are beneficial.
Medication adherence: Missing doses is a leading cause of breakthrough seizures. Patients should never stop or reduce medication without medical guidance.
Driving and safety: Indian law requires a seizure-free period before driving is permitted. Neurologists at Apex Hospitals provide guidance on activity restrictions tailored to each patient's seizure pattern.
Pregnancy planning: Women with epilepsy should discuss pregnancy plans with their neurologist well in advance to optimise medication and folic acid supplementation.
Epilepsy Care at Apex Hospitals, Jaipur
Apex Hospitals' neurology department in Jaipur offers comprehensive epilepsy care — from first-seizure evaluation and EEG to long-term medication management and surgical assessment. The department is supported by on-site MRI, CT, and emergency laboratory services, enabling rapid diagnosis without the delays of external referrals.
For patients requiring neurosurgical intervention, the hospital's neurosurgery team uses advanced operating microscopes and intraoperative neuromonitoring systems to maximise safety and precision. The Neuro ICU provides dedicated post-operative monitoring for complex cases.
Apex Hospitals is NABH accredited and empanelled under Ayushman Bharat and major insurance schemes — ensuring that specialist epilepsy care is accessible to patients across Rajasthan, regardless of financial background. The hospital's HOPE Tele-ICU programme also extends specialist neurological consultation to partner sites in underserved districts of the state.
If you or a family member has experienced a seizure — or has been living with epilepsy without specialist review — consider reaching out to the neurology team at Apex Hospitals, Jaipur for a comprehensive evaluation. Early, accurate diagnosis is the single most important step toward seizure control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is epilepsy hereditary?
Some forms of epilepsy have a genetic basis, and having a first-degree relative with epilepsy does modestly increase risk. However, most people with a family history of epilepsy do not develop the condition themselves. Genetic testing is available for specific syndromes where a hereditary cause is suspected.
Can stress cause epilepsy?
Stress alone does not cause epilepsy, but it is a recognised seizure trigger in people who already have the condition. Chronic stress can lower the seizure threshold, making breakthrough seizures more likely. Managing stress through lifestyle measures and psychological support is an important part of epilepsy self-management.
How long does someone need to take epilepsy medication?
This varies by epilepsy type and individual factors. Some patients — particularly those with childhood-onset syndromes that remit — may be able to withdraw medication after a seizure-free period of two or more years. Others require lifelong treatment. Medication should never be stopped abruptly or without medical supervision, as this can provoke severe rebound seizures.
Can a person with epilepsy lead a normal life?
Yes — the majority of people with epilepsy, when well controlled on medication, lead full and active lives including employment, relationships, sport, and parenthood. Certain restrictions (such as driving) may apply depending on seizure control, but these are reviewed regularly as the clinical situation evolves.
What should I do if someone is having a seizure?
Stay calm. Protect the person from injury by clearing hard or sharp objects nearby. Gently turn them onto their side (recovery position) to keep the airway clear. Do not restrain them or put anything in their mouth. Time the seizure. Call emergency services if the seizure lasts more than five minutes, if another seizure follows immediately, or if the person does not regain consciousness.
Is epilepsy surgery safe?
Epilepsy surgery carries risks, as all brain surgery does, but in carefully selected patients the benefits — including the possibility of long-term seizure freedom — substantially outweigh the risks. Comprehensive pre-surgical evaluation, including neuropsychological testing and advanced imaging, is essential to identify the best candidates and minimise risk.
References
Concerned About Seizures? Talk to a Specialist.
Apex Hospitals' neurology team in Jaipur offers expert epilepsy evaluation, EEG, and personalised treatment — with same-day appointments available for urgent cases.