Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Treatment in New Delhi for UAE

Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery in New Delhi for UAE Patients

Families in the UAE facing a child's intractable epilepsy often feel overwhelmed. The search for effective, lasting treatment can be challenging, especially when local options are limited or surgical intervention is considered. You want the best possible outcome for your child.

New Delhi has become a leading choice for advanced pediatric neurosurgery. Patients are drawn to its specialized centers known for integrated care pathways and experienced teams focused solely on complex neurological conditions in children. The city offers advanced medical infrastructure.

The city's hospitals provide a trusted environment with world-class specialists in pediatric neurology and neurosurgery. Here, continuity of care is seamless, ensuring thorough follow-ups and comprehensive support throughout your child's journey in a single location.

Could New Delhi be the optimal choice for your child's epilepsy surgery?

What is Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery?

Pediatric epilepsy surgery is a highly specialized procedure designed to treat children whose seizures cannot be controlled by medication alone, a condition known as drug-resistant epilepsy. The goal of this surgery is to remove or disconnect the specific area of the brain where seizures originate, aiming to stop or significantly reduce seizure frequency and severity. This can dramatically improve a child's quality of life, cognitive development, and overall well-being. The approach is carefully chosen based on extensive pre-surgical evaluation to pinpoint the exact seizure focus without harming critical brain functions.

Types of Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery

When is Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Required?

• When a child's seizures persist despite trials of at least two appropriate anti-epileptic medications (drug-resistant epilepsy).
• If seizures significantly impair the child's development, learning, or daily activities.
• When there is a clear, identifiable lesion or area in the brain causing the seizures that can be safely removed.
• In cases where frequent or severe seizures lead to injuries or a diminished quality of life.
• For specific epilepsy syndromes known to respond well to surgical intervention.

Pre-Treatment Evaluation for Epilepsy Surgery

• Detailed neurological examination and medical history review.
• High-resolution Brain MRI with epilepsy protocol to identify structural abnormalities.
• Video-EEG monitoring to precisely localize the seizure onset zone and characterize seizure types.
• Neuropsychological testing to assess cognitive functions and memory, crucial for surgical planning.
• PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography) or SPECT scan (Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography) to detect areas of abnormal brain metabolism or blood flow.
• Functional MRI (fMRI) to map critical language and motor areas, minimizing surgical risks.
• Wada test (Intracarotid Amobarbital Procedure) for some cases to determine language and memory dominance.

How Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery is Performed

The specific surgical procedure depends entirely on the child's unique condition, the type of epilepsy, and the findings from the comprehensive pre-surgical evaluation.

Recovery Process After Surgery

Recovery from pediatric epilepsy surgery varies greatly depending on the type of procedure and the child's individual health. Immediately after surgery, the child will be closely monitored in an intensive care unit for a few days before moving to a regular ward. Post-operative pain is managed with medication. Most children remain in the hospital for about 5-10 days. Restrictions may include avoiding strenuous activities, head injuries, and certain sports for several weeks. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy often begin soon after surgery to support recovery and adaptation. Follow-up appointments with the neurosurgeon and neurologist are crucial to monitor progress, adjust medications, and assess long-term seizure control and developmental milestones. Full recovery can take several months.

Risks and Success Rates of Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery

• Temporary Swelling or Bruising: Common around the surgical site.
• Infection: Risk of infection at the incision site or within the brain.
• Bleeding: Potential for hemorrhage during or after the procedure.
• Neurological Deficits: Possible weakness, sensory changes, or speech difficulties, often temporary.
• Cognitive Changes: Rarely, subtle changes in memory or learning may occur.
• Persistent Seizures: Surgery does not guarantee complete seizure freedom for all children.
• Anesthesia-Related Risks: Standard risks associated with general anesthesia.

The success rates of pediatric epilepsy surgery are generally high, especially for carefully selected candidates. Many studies report that 50-70% of children achieve significant reduction in seizures, with a substantial number becoming seizure-free, particularly for resective surgeries involving a clear focal lesion. Outcomes vary based on the type of epilepsy, the child's age, the surgical technique used, and the precision of pre-surgical localization. Long-term expectations include improved seizure control, better cognitive function, and enhanced quality of life, although continuous monitoring and management remain important.

Cost of Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery in New Delhi

The cost of pediatric epilepsy surgery in New Delhi is influenced by several factors, including the specific type of surgery performed, the complexity of the child's condition, the hospital chosen, the experience of the surgical team, and the length of hospital stay. Diagnostic evaluations prior to surgery also contribute to the overall expenditure.

Generally, pediatric epilepsy surgery in New Delhi can range from approximately INR 800,000 to INR 2,500,000.

Comprehensive Support for Your Child's Treatment in New Delhi

• Personalized treatment plans developed by multidisciplinary teams.
• Assistance with hospital selection and appointment scheduling.
• Coordination of travel logistics, including visa and accommodation support.
• Dedicated patient care managers for continuous guidance.
• Access to interpreters for seamless communication.
• Post-treatment follow-up and rehabilitation planning.

Essential Papers for Your Medical Journey

• Current passport and valid medical visa for the child and accompanying parent/guardian.
• Comprehensive medical reports, imaging scans (MRI, CT), and EEG results.
• Referral letters from your primary doctor in the UAE.
• Vaccination records for the child.
• Any previous surgical reports or treatment summaries.

Preparing for Your Child's Surgery

• Ensure all necessary medical documents are organized and easily accessible.
• Discuss pre-operative fasting instructions and medication adjustments with your doctor.
• Arrange for accommodation and travel to New Delhi well in advance.
• Prepare a list of questions for the medical team regarding the procedure and recovery.
• Inform the hospital about any specific dietary needs or allergies your child may have.

Aftercare Instructions and Healing

• Strictly follow all medication schedules and dosage instructions.
• Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with the neurological team.
• Monitor the surgical incision site for any signs of infection or unusual swelling.
• Ensure your child gets adequate rest and avoids strenuous physical activity as advised.
• Engage in recommended rehabilitation therapies to support recovery and development.
• Maintain open communication with the medical team for any concerns or questions.

Take the First Step Towards Hope

Choosing the right path for your child’s epilepsy can be life-changing. Let us help you explore the advanced care available in New Delhi.