Posted By: Dr. (Prof.) Kunal Bahrani on 12 Sep 2026
A seizure — whether it’s your first or a recurring event — raises immediate questions: Is this epilepsy? What tests are needed? Who should I see? These questions deserve clear answers, and choosing the right specialist early can make diagnosis and treatment considerably smoother.
This guide, based on the practice of Dr. (Prof.) Kunal Bahrani, an AIIMS-trained neurologist in Faridabad, answers 10 questions worth asking when choosing an epilepsy specialist in Faridabad.
1. Does every seizure mean epilepsy?
No. This is one of the most common misconceptions, and an important one to clarify early. A single seizure can be caused by many things — high fever (particularly in children), low blood sugar, alcohol withdrawal, certain medications, or a head injury — without necessarily indicating epilepsy. Epilepsy is generally diagnosed when a person has had two or more unprovoked seizures, or one seizure combined with a high likelihood of recurrence based on testing. This is precisely why proper evaluation matters — not every seizure requires long-term anti-seizure medication, but every seizure does need assessment.
2. What type of neurologist treats epilepsy?
Epilepsy is managed by a neurologist, ideally one with specific experience in seizure disorders and EEG interpretation. Look for:
- A DM in Neurology, the specialized qualification required in India
- Experience specifically with seizure disorders and epilepsy management, not just general neurology
- Comfort with long-term medication management, since epilepsy treatment is often an ongoing process requiring adjustment over time
- Access to EEG and imaging facilities, either in-house or closely linked
Dr. Kunal Bahrani holds a DM in Neurology from AIIMS New Delhi, with over 15 years of clinical experience that includes epilepsy and seizure disorder management as one of his core practice areas.
3. What tests may be required after a seizure?
Following a seizure, a neurologist will typically recommend a combination of:
- EEG (Electroencephalogram), to detect abnormal electrical activity in the brain
- MRI or CT imaging, to check for structural causes such as scarring, tumors, or previous injury
- Blood tests, to rule out metabolic causes like low blood sugar or electrolyte imbalances
- A detailed history, including a description of the seizure from someone who witnessed it, which is often just as valuable as test results
Not every test is needed for every patient — your neurologist will tailor the workup based on your specific presentation and history.
4. When might an EEG be recommended?
An EEG is typically recommended after a first seizure, or when epilepsy is suspected, to look for abnormal brain electrical activity patterns associated with seizure disorders. It’s worth noting that a single normal EEG doesn’t completely rule out epilepsy, since abnormal activity isn’t always present between seizures — in some cases, extended or repeat EEG monitoring may be recommended if suspicion remains high despite a normal initial test.
5. What experience should I look for in an epilepsy specialist?
Beyond general neurology training, useful experience to ask about includes:
- Managing a range of seizure types, since epilepsy presents differently across patients (not all seizures involve convulsions or loss of consciousness)
- Long-term medication management, including adjusting treatment for pregnancy, other health conditions, or side effects
- Experience distinguishing epilepsy from seizure-mimicking conditions, which is a genuinely common diagnostic challenge
- Familiarity with epilepsy in specific populations, such as children or older adults, if relevant to your situation
Dr. Bahrani’s practice spans epilepsy management across age groups, including pediatric neurological conditions alongside adult epilepsy care.
6. What should I bring to the consultation?
Preparation makes a real difference in how efficiently your neurologist can evaluate your situation:
- A detailed description of the seizure, ideally from someone who witnessed it — what happened before, during, and after
- Video, if available — many families now have phone footage of an episode, which can be genuinely useful for diagnosis
- A list of any triggers you’ve noticed — sleep deprivation, missed meals, flashing lights, stress
- Previous test results, if this isn’t your first evaluation
- A list of current medications, including any recently started or stopped
7. What treatments are available for epilepsy?
Epilepsy treatment is generally individualized based on seizure type, frequency, and patient factors. Common approaches include:
- Anti-seizure medication, which is effective in controlling seizures for the majority of patients when properly matched to seizure type
- Regular monitoring and dose adjustment, since finding the right medication and dose can take some trial and follow-up
- Lifestyle guidance, including sleep regulation and trigger avoidance
- For patients whose seizures aren’t controlled by medication alone, further evaluation for other treatment options may be considered
Most patients with epilepsy achieve good seizure control with appropriate medication management and regular follow-up.
8. When should a seizure be treated as an emergency?
Call for emergency medical help immediately if:
- A seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes
- A person has repeated seizures without regaining consciousness in between
- A seizure occurs in water (drowning risk) or results in injury
- The person doesn’t regain consciousness or breathing after the seizure stops
- It is someone’s first-ever seizure
For a typical, brief seizure in someone with a known epilepsy diagnosis, the general approach is to keep the person safe (clear the area, cushion the head, turn them on their side), time the seizure, and avoid putting anything in their mouth — but any of the situations above warrant an emergency room visit without delay.
9. When should a patient seek a second opinion?
A second opinion is reasonable to consider if:
- Seizures continue despite trying two or more appropriately chosen medications
- The diagnosis itself feels uncertain, or symptoms don’t clearly fit a typical pattern
- Side effects from medication are significantly affecting quality of life
- You simply want confirmation before committing to a long-term treatment plan, particularly for children or during pregnancy planning
Seeking a second opinion is a normal, reasonable part of managing a condition like epilepsy that often requires long-term treatment — not a sign of distrust in your current care.
10. Where can I consult an epilepsy specialist in Faridabad?
Dr. Kunal Bahrani consults at three locations across Faridabad:
- Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Sector 20 — Monday to Saturday, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Sector 88 — Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Mediclub Clinic, Sector 21C — Monday to Saturday, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Appointments can be booked by calling +91 8527841220 or through the online appointment form.
When Epilepsy or Seizure Symptoms Need Urgent Attention
To reiterate clearly: a seizure lasting more than 5 minutes, repeated seizures without recovery in between, a first-ever seizure, or a seizure with injury or breathing difficulty afterward all require immediate emergency care — not a scheduled consultation. Go to the nearest emergency room in these situations.
Explore Related Neurological Care
Beyond epilepsy, Dr. Bahrani’s practice also covers related areas including pediatric neurological conditions, movement disorders, and general neurological evaluation for symptoms that may overlap with or mimic seizure disorders.
Conclusion
Epilepsy and seizure disorders benefit significantly from specialist evaluation — both to confirm the diagnosis accurately and to build a treatment plan that actually controls seizures with manageable side effects. Dr. (Prof.) Kunal Bahrani, an AIIMS-trained neurologist with over 15 years of experience, offers epilepsy evaluation and long-term management across three Faridabad locations.
If you or a family member has experienced a seizure, book a consultation or call +91 8527841220 for a thorough evaluation.
This article is intended for general informational purposes and does not replace individualized medical advice. If you are witnessing a seizure emergency as described above, seek immediate medical care rather than referring to this article.
