Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery in Pune for Bangladesh Patients

For parents in Bangladesh, the journey with a child facing epilepsy can be filled with uncertainty. The search for highly specialized care often extends beyond national borders, aiming to give their child the best chance for a life free from seizures and developmental challenges.

Pune has emerged as a preferred destination for complex medical procedures like pediatric epilepsy surgery. Its hospitals offer advanced neurosurgical units and a dedicated ecosystem for international patient support, ensuring a seamless experience from arrival to recovery.

The city's medical facilities house experienced pediatric neurologists and neurosurgeons renowned for their expertise in epilepsy management. Patients benefit from comprehensive pre-surgical evaluations and structured post-operative follow-ups within Pune's trusted healthcare network.

Pune provides a reliable and integrated pathway for children needing epilepsy surgery.

What Is Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery?

Pediatric epilepsy surgery is a specialized neurosurgical procedure designed to treat children whose seizures are not controlled by medication. This treatment aims to remove or disconnect the area of the brain where seizures originate, or to interrupt the pathways through which seizures spread. The goal is to reduce or eliminate seizures, improve the child's quality of life, and support their cognitive and developmental potential. It is a complex decision made after thorough evaluation by a multidisciplinary team.

What Are the Types of Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery?

When Is Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Required?

• When a child's seizures are drug-resistant, meaning two or more anti-seizure medications have failed to control them.
• When the seizures significantly impair the child's development, learning, or daily functioning.
• If the seizure focus can be precisely identified and safely removed without causing significant neurological deficits.
• In cases where the epilepsy is causing progressive neurological deterioration.
• For specific epilepsy syndromes known to respond well to surgical intervention.
• When the benefits of surgery outweigh the potential risks for the individual child.

What Is the Pre-Treatment Evaluation Process?

• Detailed review of the child's medical history, including seizure types, frequency, and prior treatments.
• High-resolution brain imaging, such as MRI, to identify structural abnormalities or lesions.
• Video-EEG monitoring to capture seizures and pinpoint their origin in the brain.
• PET scan or SPECT scan to identify areas of abnormal brain metabolism or blood flow.
• Neuropsychological testing to assess cognitive function, memory, language, and potential impact of surgery.
• Wada test (intracarotid amobarbital test) to determine language and memory dominance, if necessary.
• Discussion and consensus by a multidisciplinary epilepsy team involving neurologists, neurosurgeons, radiologists, and neuropsychologists.

How Is Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Performed?

The specific surgical procedure depends entirely on the child's type of epilepsy, the location of the seizure focus, and the comprehensive surgical plan developed by the medical team.

What Is the Recovery Process Like?

Recovery from pediatric epilepsy surgery varies significantly depending on the type of procedure performed and the individual child's health. Typically, a hospital stay of several days to a week is expected. Initial recovery involves managing pain, monitoring neurological status, and slowly resuming activities. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy are often crucial components of rehabilitation to help the child regain strength and adapt. Follow-up appointments with the neurosurgeon and neurologist are essential for monitoring progress, adjusting anti-seizure medications, and planning long-term care. Full recovery and assessment of seizure freedom can take several months.

What Are the Risks and Success Rates of This Surgery?

• Potential for infection at the surgical site or within the brain.
• Risk of bleeding (hemorrhage) in the brain.
• Temporary or permanent weakness, numbness, or other sensory changes.
• Changes in speech, memory, vision, or cognitive function depending on the surgical site.
• Swelling of the brain, requiring additional medical management.
• Reactions to anesthesia or medications.
• Persistence of seizures or new seizure types in some cases.

The success rate of pediatric epilepsy surgery in achieving seizure freedom varies widely, generally ranging from 50% to 80%, depending on the specific type of epilepsy, the child's age, and the exact surgical procedure. For some focal epilepsies, rates can be higher. Even if complete seizure freedom is not achieved, many children experience a significant reduction in seizure frequency and severity, leading to an improved quality of life, better developmental outcomes, and a reduction in medication burden. Long-term outcomes are influenced by consistent follow-up care and adherence to post-operative recommendations.

How Much Does Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Cost in Pune?

The cost of pediatric epilepsy surgery in Pune is influenced by several factors. These include the specific surgical technique chosen, the duration of the hospital stay, the use of advanced technologies, the experience of the surgical team, and the need for intensive care or rehabilitation services. Pre-surgical evaluations, including various imaging and monitoring tests, also contribute to the overall expenditure.

For Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery, the estimated cost range in Pune typically falls between INR 6,50,000 to INR 15,00,000.

Essential Support for Your Child's Medical Journey

• Assistance with medical visa applications and necessary documentation for patients from Bangladesh.
• Coordination of hospital appointments, pre-surgical tests, and consultations with specialists.
• Arrangement of comfortable accommodation for the child and accompanying family members in Pune.
• Dedicated patient care managers to support you throughout the treatment process.
• Language interpretation services to ensure clear communication with medical staff.
• Guidance for travel logistics, including airport transfers and local transportation within Pune.

Required Documents for Your Medical Visit

• Valid passport and medical visa for the child and accompanying guardian.
• Comprehensive medical reports, including all previous diagnostic tests, EEG results, MRI scans, and specialist opinions.
• Referral letter from the treating physician in Bangladesh, if available.
• Proof of address and financial capability for the duration of the stay in Pune.
• Vaccination records of the child, as per international travel guidelines.
• Any previous prescription details for anti-seizure medications.

Preparing for Your Child's Procedure

• Ensure all required medical evaluations and tests are completed before the scheduled surgery date.
• Follow specific dietary and medication instructions provided by the medical team leading up to the procedure.
• Discuss any concerns or questions with the care team to ensure full understanding of the surgical plan.
• Arrange for comfortable clothing and essential personal items for the child's hospital stay.
• Mentally prepare the child, if age-appropriate, for the hospital environment and what to expect.
• Ensure all travel and accommodation arrangements in Pune are confirmed well in advance.

Guidance for Aftercare and Recovery

• Adhere strictly to the prescribed medication schedule and dosage following surgery.
• Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with the neurosurgeon and neurologist in Pune.
• Ensure the child receives adequate rest and avoids strenuous activities during the initial recovery period.
• Monitor the surgical site for any signs of infection or complications and report them immediately.
• Engage in recommended rehabilitation therapies such as physical, occupational, or speech therapy.
• Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle to support the child's overall healing and well-being.

Ready to Explore Treatment Options?

Choosing pediatric epilepsy surgery is a significant decision. Our team in Pune is here to provide clarity, support, and world-class medical care for your child.