Epilepsy, often called mirgi (मिर्गी) or "fits", is a condition of the brain that causes repeated seizures. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 50 million people worldwide live with epilepsy, and says that up to 70% of them could live seizure-free if properly diagnosed and treated. Good care means the right medical treatment, and also support for the worry, stigma and day-to-day questions that come with it. This page explains what an online consultation can do, who does what, and where to find support.
Epilepsy in plain words
- A seizure (daura, दौरा) is a sudden burst of electrical activity in the brain. Some seizures cause falling and shaking. Others look like staring, blank spells, odd movements or a short time of confusion.
- Epilepsy is not contagious, as the WHO points out. You cannot catch it by touching someone or sharing food.
- It is not caused by spirits, sins or the evil eye, and it is not a mental illness. It is a medical condition of the brain.
- Most people with epilepsy study, work, marry and raise families.
When to see a doctor about epilepsy
- A first-ever seizure: get seen in person urgently, at a hospital or by a neurologist.
- Seizures are still happening even though you take medicine regularly.
- You have side effects that worry you, such as sleepiness, mood changes or memory problems.
- You are planning a pregnancy, or you are already pregnant.
- You want to reduce or stop your medicine after a long time without seizures. This must be planned with your doctor.
- Your child has staring spells, jerks on waking, or episodes that teachers have noticed.
- Low mood, anxiety or sleep problems have started alongside the seizures.
What an online epilepsy consultation can and cannot do
| Works well online | Needs a clinic or hospital |
|---|---|
| Follow-up visits once epilepsy has been diagnosed | A first-ever seizure |
| Going through your EEG, MRI, CT and blood reports | Doing an EEG, MRI or CT scan, and blood tests |
| Reviewing your seizure diary, triggers and side effects | A full physical and neurological examination |
| A second opinion based on your reports | Video-EEG monitoring, or assessment for epilepsy surgery |
| Questions about pregnancy planning, work, study and travel | Any emergency, such as a long seizure or an injury |
| Counselling for anxiety, low mood and stigma |
Under India's Telemedicine Practice Guidelines (2020), the doctor decides whether an online consultation is suitable and what can be prescribed online. If they need to examine you or need new tests, they will tell you.
What to keep ready for an online visit: all your reports (photos or PDFs are fine), your current medicine strips, a seizure diary with dates and times, and, if possible, a family member who has seen your seizures. A short video of a seizure, recorded by someone with you, can help the doctor a lot.
Neurologist, psychiatrist or counsellor: who does what?
- Neurologist: a doctor for the brain and nerves. Diagnoses epilepsy, orders EEG and scans, and manages epilepsy medicine. Browse neurologists on Mindara.
- Psychiatrist: a medical doctor for mental health. Many psychiatrists also see people with epilepsy, especially when anxiety, depression, sleep, memory or behaviour problems come with the seizures. They check that any treatment for mood fits with your epilepsy medicine. Browse psychiatrists.
- Counsellor or psychologist: talking support for fear of the next seizure, low mood, stigma, family pressure, studies, work and marriage. See epilepsy counselling.
The providers listed on this page can include neurologists, psychiatrists and counsellors, so you can build a small care team in one place. Tell each of them about the others and share your reports, so their advice fits together.
Epilepsy and anxiety
The WHO notes that people with epilepsy have higher rates of anxiety and depression. That makes sense: seizures are unpredictable, and many people live with a constant worry about when the next one will come, or what others will think. Some stop going out alone, avoid travel or hide their condition at work. Others feel low because of restrictions, side effects or the way people treat them.
This is treatable. Talking therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which means noticing fearful thoughts and testing them in small, safe steps, can help you get back to the things you avoid. A psychiatrist can help when anxiety or depression is severe. Anxiety and some kinds of seizures can occasionally look alike, so it is important that your neurologist knows about both.
Medicine: one rule above all
Never stop or change your epilepsy medicine without your doctor. Stopping suddenly can bring seizures back, sometimes worse than before. If you miss a dose, have side effects, cannot afford a medicine, or the chemist offers a different brand, talk to your doctor before you change anything. The same goes for any herbal or home remedy.
Living well with epilepsy
- Sleep: lack of sleep is a common seizure trigger. Keep regular sleep times.
- Seizure diary: note dates, times, possible triggers and missed doses. It makes every consultation more useful.
- Safety at home: a shower is safer than a bathtub; avoid cooking or swimming alone if your seizures are not controlled.
- Driving, insurance and work: rules and rights can be complex. Ask your neurologist, and see the Indian Epilepsy Association's resources.
- Tell the people around you what a seizure looks like for you and what to do. Our guide to seizure first aid has a printable card.
Epilepsy in children and teenagers
Epilepsy often starts in childhood. Some childhood epilepsies settle as the child grows, while others continue into adult life; your child's neurologist will explain what to expect for their type. Parents often have questions about school, sports, exams, screen time and sleepovers. Most children with epilepsy can go to a regular school and join in most activities, with a few sensible precautions agreed with their doctor. It helps to give the school a written seizure plan and to teach teachers basic first aid. Teenagers may struggle with feeling different, with friends, or with taking medicine regularly, and counselling can help them and their parents. A paediatric neurologist usually leads a child's epilepsy care.
Women and epilepsy
Women with epilepsy may notice that seizures change around their periods, and they have specific questions about contraception, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Some epilepsy medicines and some contraceptives affect each other, and some medicines need to be reviewed before pregnancy. If you might become pregnant, plan ahead with your neurologist, and do not stop your medicine on your own if you find you are pregnant. Call your doctor first.
Common myths about epilepsy
- "Hold a shoe or onion to their nose." This does not stop a seizure.
- "Put a spoon in the mouth so they do not swallow the tongue." A person cannot swallow their tongue, and objects in the mouth can cause injury.
- "Marriage will make it go away." It will not, and stopping medicine for any reason is risky.
- "People with epilepsy cannot study or work." Most people with epilepsy study, work and live full lives.
Epilepsy support in India
Meeting others who live with epilepsy can be a great relief. The Indian Epilepsy Association has chapters in many cities, and several run support groups. We keep a checked list in epilepsy support groups in India. Mindara is also planning a free monthly online support circle for people with epilepsy and their families, coming soon. If you have questions about marriage and family life, read epilepsy and marriage in India.
Choosing a provider on Mindara
- Type of professional: a neurologist or psychiatrist for medical care; a counsellor or psychologist for talking support.
- Language: you can consult in Hindi, English and other Indian languages; check each card.
- Fee: fees are shown in the box above and on each provider's card. Some providers offer a free first session.
- Registration: profiles show qualifications and registration. You can check a doctor's registration with the National Medical Commission or the state medical council.
Your first online consultation
The doctor will ask what your seizures look like, how often they happen, what you take and since when, and how epilepsy affects your life. They will go through your reports and may suggest tests at a clinic. Write your questions down beforehand. Free public care is also available at government hospital neurology departments, and Tele-MANAS (14416) offers free mental health support 24×7.
When to call 112
Call 112 if a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, if one seizure follows another without the person waking in between, if they have trouble breathing or do not wake up afterwards, if they are injured, if the seizure happens in water, if it is their first seizure, or if they are pregnant or have diabetes. These steps follow guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the NHS (UK).
