Can Epilepsy Be 100% Curable?

Dr.Madhukar Bhardwaj, 2 mins read

Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes repeated seizures. A seizure happens when there is a sudden burst of electrical activity in the brain, leading to changes in movement, behavior, or awareness. Many people wonder can epilepsy be 100% cured? The answer is not straightforward, as treatment option and its effectiveness varies from person to person, and while some may achieve full control of their seizures, others may continue to experience them despite treatment.

Causes of Epilepsy:

Epilepsy can happen to anyone, at any age. Some of the common causes are: 

1. Genetics: Some people inherit a tendency to have seizures from their parents and grandparents.
2. Brain injuries: Head trauma from accidents or falls can lead to epilepsy.
3. Infections: Diseases like meningitis or encephalitis can damage the brain.
4. Stroke or tumors: These can affect the brain’s electrical activity.
5. Unknown reasons: In many cases, doctors cannot find a clear the real cause.

Can Epilepsy Be Cured Completely?

Currently, epilepsy is not always 100% curable, but it can often be well-controlled through the following measure:

• Medication Control: Most people with epilepsy can live seizure-free with the help of anti-seizure medications. These medicines control abnormal brain activity and prevent seizures. For about 70% of patients, medications work so well that they do not have seizures as long as they continue treatment.
• Surgery: If medicines do not work, some people may benefit from brain surgery. This is done only when doctors are sure that seizures start from one specific area of the brain that can be safely removed. For these patients, surgery can sometimes offer a complete cure.
• Other Treatments: Options like vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), ketogenic diets, and newer therapies can also reduce or stop seizures in some cases.

Why Cannot Everyone Be Cured?

Epilepsy is different for every person. In some cases, the brain damage causing seizures cannot be reversed. Some people have seizures that come from multiple areas of the brain, making surgery impossible. Others may have epilepsy that does not respond to any medication available today.

Even though epilepsy may not always be curable, many people live normal, happy lives with proper treatment. Below are some important steps:

• Take medications regularly as skipping doses can trigger seizures.
• Get enough sleep as lack of adequate sleep can increase the risk of seizures.
• Avoid triggers like stress, alcohol, and flashing lights as these can be problematic for some people.
• Visit your doctor regularly and stay positive.
  

Conclusion: 

Epilepsy may not always have a permanent cure today, it can almost always be managed. Many people with epilepsy lead seizure-free lives with the right care. If you or someone you know has epilepsy, do not lose hope. Consult our experts at Aakash Healthcare Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka and look forward to a future where epilepsy might be completely curable.