Introduction
Epilepsy is a disorder in which recurrent, unprovoked seizures result from abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Seizures can be mild or severe, having any combination of the following: brief change(s) in awareness, convulsions (violent shaking), staring, or other visual abnormalities. It can happen to anyone at any age, and while some have been born with it, others develop it due to brain injury, infections or developmental disorders, or no known reason at all. Proper treatment for epilepsy is usually with medications and sometimes surgery. Treatment with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) aimed at controlling seizures is the rule, and their objective is to change quality of life. People with epilepsy can live healthy lives but require ongoing care and monitoring and, with effective management, many can live normal lives. The early diagnosis and personalized treatment plan is the key to controlling epilepsy well.
Cost Comparison
The cost of epilepsy treatment varies widely anywhere in the world, depending on the hospital, the stage of cancer, the type of treatment, the number of therapy sessions required, the patient’s overall health condition, post-operative complications and care, etc. The average cost of epilepsy in India is USD $3500.
But be assured as the cost of Epilepsy in India is just a fraction of developed nations.
- Avg Cost of treatment - $3500
- Maximum cost of treatment - $42000
Factors affecting Cost of treatment
1. Severity of the Condition
- Relatively inexpensive, mild cases may only need occasional consultations, along with medication.
- If it does not take to medication, serious cases may need to be treated with surgery (e.g. lobectomy or Vagus Nerve Stimulation, VNS) or even long term treatments plans — all of which may mount the cost considerably.
2. Treatment Type
- Medications: The cost varies depending on what antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are chosen and whether we are prescribing brand or generic name drugs. The price range for monthly medication is $50 to $150.
- Surgery: Surgical options for refractory epilepsy can cost $5,000 to $30,000 depending on complexity for patients.
- Therapy: For some patients, this will mean ongoing physical, speech, or occupational therapy, which can add up to the overall cost of treatment, with costs of $20 to $50 per session.
3. Hospital and Location
- Private hospitals like Fortis, Max Health Care, Artemis etc in major cities have cost higher because private hospitals have more advanced equipments, specialized epilepsy centers, staff with more experience.
4. Duration and frequency of treatment
- Epilepsy needs long term management, and visits become more frequent which become more costly over time. We also have some patients that would need frequent diagnostic tests, which will also be an additional expense.
5. Personalization of Care
- With individual patient needs, customized treatment plans, which include specialized neuro-monitoring and rehabilitation services, drive up treatment costs.
Treatment Options
1. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) or medications
- Epilepsy registered are AEDs. The medications to manage seizures help stabilize electrical activity in the brain. Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, Valproate, Lamotrigine, and Levetiracetam are commonly available AEDs. AED is based on the kind of seizures, the age, and other health conditions. The idea is to prevent seizures with the smallest risk of side effects, which may take some time to figure out.
2. Surgical Treatment
- Lobectomy: Attacking the part of the brain where the seizure starts.
- Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR): A procedure that kills nerve fibers that occur in the spinal cord reduces spasticity and improves motor function.
- Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): A device that implants into the vagus nerve to help control seizures.
3. Dietary Therapy
- For some — especially children who don't respond to medications — the ketogenic diet, a high-fat, low-carb diet, may be advised.
4. Supportive and Lifestyle Therapies
- Other ways to benefit include maintaining a regular sleep schedule, managing stress, and physical therapy to manage the side effects of seizures.
How Medotil Global Assists International Patients?
Medical Visa Assistance
- Guides patients through the process of obtaining a medical visa for India.
- Provides necessary documentation support, such as invitation letters from hospitals.
Accommodation Arrangements
- Helps secure comfortable and affordable lodging near treatment centers.
- Offers a range of options, including guest houses, hotels, or serviced apartments.
Food Services
- Assists in arranging dietary preferences, including international cuisines and special diets for medical needs.
Transportation Support
- Provides airport pickup and drop-off services.
- Offers reliable transportation for hospital visits and local travel.
Hospital and Doctor Selection
- Recommends top hospitals and connects patients with experienced specialists in their specific condition.
- Ensures access to advanced medical treatments and technology.
Tourism Services
- Organizes visits to famous tourist attractions like the Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Kerala, and other cultural landmarks.
- Tailors travel plans based on patient preferences and recovery needs.
24/7 Support
- Provides round-the-clock assistance for any queries or emergencies during the stay in India.
