Epilepsy and seizures
A guide for patients and families

A seizure, or fit, is a sudden burst of electrical activity in the brain. Epilepsy means a tendency to have repeated seizures. With the right diagnosis and medicines, most people with epilepsy control their seizures and lead normal lives. Charak Hospital’s neurology team, with EEG and MRI on site, treats adults and children.

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About epilepsy

What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is diagnosed when a person has two or more seizures without another clear trigger, or one seizure with a high chance of more. It can start at any age. In some people a cause is found, such as a brain injury, infection, stroke, tumour or a problem present from birth; in many, no single cause is found.

  • Seizures look different in different people
  • Not every seizure is epilepsy — fever, low sugar or alcohol withdrawal can also cause one
  • Medicines control seizures in most people
  • Some children outgrow epilepsy
  • Epilepsy is not contagious and not caused by spirits

Right diagnosis

A detailed history, EEG and MRI.

Regular medicines

Taken every day, even when well.

Safety first

Simple steps lower the risk of injury.

Normal life

School, work, marriage and pregnancy with planning.

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Types of seizure

What seizures can look like

Tell the doctor exactly what happened before, during and after the episode. A mobile phone video taken by a family member is very helpful.

Stiffening and jerking

The whole body stiffens and jerks, often with loss of consciousness.

Staring spells

Brief blank episodes, common in children.

Jerks of one limb

Twitching of one arm, leg or side of the face.

Odd behaviour

Lip smacking, fumbling or confusion without memory of it.

Sudden falls

Loss of muscle tone causing drops.

Tongue bite or wetting

Can happen during a seizure.

Drowsiness afterwards

Confusion and sleepiness after the seizure.

Fits with fever in children

Usually febrile seizures, which need assessment.

Seizure first aid: stay calm, protect the head, turn the person on their side, loosen tight clothing and time the seizure. Do not put anything in the mouth and do not hold them down. Call 0522-666-4444 if it lasts more than 5 minutes, if seizures repeat, if the person is injured, pregnant or does not wake up. Call 0522-666-4444.

Diagnosis

How epilepsy is diagnosed

Tests help confirm epilepsy, find the type and look for a cause.

History and video

What happened, from you and an eyewitness.

EEG

Records the brain’s electrical activity; see our EEG test page.

MRI brain

Looks for scars, malformations, tumours or past injury.

Blood tests

Sugar, salts, calcium and other checks.

ECG

To rule out heart rhythm causes of blackouts.

Treatment

How epilepsy is treated

Treatment is planned for your seizure type, age, other health problems and plans such as pregnancy.

Anti-seizure medicines

Most people become seizure-free on one or two medicines. The dose is increased slowly to find what works with the fewest side effects.

Take at the same times every dayDo not stop suddenlyRegular follow-up

Tell your doctor

  • Side effects such as sleepiness or rash
  • If seizures continue
  • If you plan pregnancy

Good to know

  • Some medicines interact with others
  • Keep a seizure diary
  • Carry a medicine list
Everyday life

Living well with epilepsy

General guidance — always follow the advice your own doctor gives you.

Routine

Use alarms or a pill box so you never miss a dose.

School and work

Most people study and work normally. Tell teachers or colleagues what to do during a seizure.

Pregnancy

Many women with epilepsy have healthy babies. Plan pregnancy with your neurologist and gynaecologist before conceiving.

Mood

Anxiety and low mood are common; talk to your doctor.

Contact us urgently if

  • A seizure lasting more than 5 minutes
  • Seizures one after another without waking
  • Injury, breathing difficulty or a first-ever seizure
  • A seizure in pregnancy
0522-666-4444
Myths & facts

Myths about epilepsy

Tap a card to see the fact.

Myth

“Put a spoon or keys in the mouth.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Never put anything in the mouth. It can break teeth or block breathing.

Myth

“Make the person smell a shoe or onion.”

Tap to flip
Fact

This does not stop a seizure. Turn them on their side and wait.

Myth

“People with epilepsy cannot marry or have children.”

Tap to flip
Fact

With good care, most people with epilepsy marry, work and have families.

Your neurology team

Neurology team

Neurosciences EEG test Paediatrics
Practical help

What to bring, costs & insurance

A little preparation helps us help you faster.

What to bring to your visit

Tick off as you pack:

  • A video of the seizure if available
  • A seizure diary with dates
  • All medicines and old prescriptions
  • Previous EEG and MRI reports

Costs & insurance

Costs depend on the tests and treatment you need and the length of any hospital stay. Ask our team for a written estimate.

  • ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
  • ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
  • ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
  • ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.

*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.

Call 0522-666-4444
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Is epilepsy curable?

Seizures can be fully controlled with medicines in most people. Some people, especially children, can stop medicines after years without seizures, but only under a doctor’s guidance.

How long will I need medicines?

Usually for at least two to three years after the last seizure. Your neurologist will decide when it may be safe to reduce them.

Can I drive?

Driving is generally not advised until seizures have been controlled for a period your doctor recommends.

Is an EEG enough to diagnose epilepsy?

No. A normal EEG does not rule out epilepsy. The diagnosis is based mainly on the history, with EEG and MRI as support.

Can a child with fits go to school?

Yes. Share a simple seizure plan with the school.

Glossary

Words you may hear

SeizureA sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
EEGElectroencephalogram, a recording of brain waves.
Status epilepticusA seizure lasting more than 5 minutes, or repeated seizures without recovery.
Febrile seizureA fit with fever in young children.
AuraA warning feeling before some seizures.

No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.

Related pages

Related departments and guides

Neurosciences EEG test Stroke Paediatrics Health library

Book a neurology consultation

Bring any seizure videos and reports. Call 0522-666-4444.

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Your details are used only to contact you about your appointment.

Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.

About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Institute of Neurosciences, Charak Hospital & Research Centre ·  Last updated: October 2026

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