Epilepsy Specialist in Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai (Seizure specialist) – Dr. Siddharth Kharkar

Dr. Siddharth Kharkar

Epilepsy specialist at Nanavati Hospital

Dr. Siddharth Deepak Kharkar

MBBS, MD (Neurology, USA), MHS

Recognized as one of the

Best Neurologists in Mumbai

By India Today magazine (2020, 2021, 2024) & Outlook India Magazine (2020, 2024).

Sometimes, we search for things like the “Epilepsy Specialist in Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai”.  But is there really such a single person?

I would propose that you will find many doctors who are the “Best” epilepsy specialists for you.

Very rare is the case when a particular person specializes in a very particular, rare kind of epilepsy (e.g. a specialist in Dravet syndrome). These rare doctors are almost never seen outside European/US research institutes.

Instead, there are many, many very good doctors for Epilepsy. What I would advise you to focus on is to find the Epilepsy Specialist in Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai for YOU.

Doing this requires you to understand your illness, and then find a well-trained Epilepsy expert with whom you can talk comfortably.

Why should you see an Epilepsy Specialist (Seizure specialist) in Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai?

Epilepsy can be difficult to diagnose. Some seizures may be misdiagnosed as heart problems. Very tragically, many patients are told that they are making up their symptoms.

If your epilepsy is not properly diagnosed, you may want to see an Epilepsy specialist (seizure specialist). If you are in Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai, then seeing an Epilepsy specialist in Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai is the most reasonable course of action.

After proper diagnosis, what percentage of epilepsy is controlled by medications?

About 80%.

This is a very high number. About 8 in 10 individuals STOP HAVING SEIZURES with medications alone.

Percentage of seizure freedom with medications alone
80% of patients STOP having seizures with properly chosen medications.

Earlier, a number of 70% was used. However, with newer medications the chances of success are higher.

What should the remaining 20%, whose seizures keep happening, do to have a productive life?

They need to pursue additional testing. These patients need to see a Epilepsy (seizure) specialist. Some patients may need surgery to STOP their seizures completely.

What is an video EEG monitoring or Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) in Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai?

The Epilepsy Monitoring Unity (EMU) are specially equipped rooms, used for precise diagnosis of seizure-like episodes.

video EEG monitoring
A video EEG monitoring room

3 things are continuously recorded in the EMU:

  1. EEG: This records the brain’s electrical activity.
  2. Video
  3. ECG: This records the heart’s activity.
video EEG being applied
Video EEG being attached

One of the Epilepsy Monitoring Units in Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai is located at the Nanavati Hosptial in Vile Parle. I conduct all my video EEGs in Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai in this hospital.

For which patients is video EEG monitoring by an Epilepsy specialist in Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai important?

Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) evaluation or video EEG monitoring in Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai enables accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Here are 4 examples:

  1. We can precisely diagnose the type of your attacks. For example, regular seizure medications do not work for stress-related seizures. Counseling and stress reduction is very effective.
  2. It helps to exactly measure seizure activity. Medications are increased or reduced accordingly.
  3. If you (or your child’s) EEG is very active at night, steroids need to be given to control seizures.
  4. It tells us which part of the brain is bad. If you are not responding to medications, epilepsy surgery can remove this bad part.
Types of seizures e1667058332731
Seizures are of two main types. There are many sub-types.

How long does Epilepsy Monitoring Unit or video EEG monitoring in Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai take?

Ideally, all types of events that you are having should be recorded. Ideally, we try to record 2-3 events of each type.

The duration of monitoring depends on seizure frequency. Here is an approximate guide:

Seizure FrequencyDuration of stay
Daily1 – 3 days
3 to 6 days in a week3 – 5 days
2 to 3 days in a week5 -7 days
1 week or lessVariable

For which patients is seeing an Epilepsy specialist in Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai very important?

It is very important to meet an Epilepsy specialist if your seizures are not controlled. There are many reasons why your seizures may not be under control:

  1. You do not have Epilepsy, but instead have non-Epileptic or stress related seizures (video EEG monitoring is necessary)
  2. You do not have Epilepsy, but have another serious medical condition such as heart rhythm problems.
  3. You may be on the wrong type of seizure medication (For example – If you have JME, then carbamazepine can make your condition worse)
  4. You may have medically resistant Epilepsy and need surgery.
Cardiac arrhythmia
Problems with heart beat rhythm can be wrongly diagnosed as seizures.

In addition, you may want to meet an Epilepsy specialist in Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai if you are concerned about the side-effects of medications. This is particularly important when you are planning to become pregnant. This planning helps prevent damage to the baby.

Some patients may have seizures which are controlled, and want to stop their medications. At this stage, meeting an Epilepsy specialist will help you understand the benefits and risks of stopping your medications.

Is consultation with a Epilepsy specialist in Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai necessary before Epilepsy surgery?

Yes, absolutely.

Just because there is some abnormality in your MRI does not mean that that particular abnormality is causing the seizures. Frequently, the MRI abnormality and the part of the brain causing the seizures are different.

There are two simple questions you should ask your Epilepsy specialist in Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai before undergoing surgery:

  1. What are the chances of success?
  2. What is the risk?

Do not be afraid of all the tests that will be done before the surgery. These are harmless and help us know more.

  • Tests such as MRI, video EEG monitoring, PET scan, SPECT scan and MEG help us to find out where the seizures are coming from.
  • Tests such as fMRI and in rare cases WADA testing help us to locate extremely important areas of the brain. The surgeon then avoids any injury to these areas during surgery.
PET scan
Advanced scans such as a PET scan help us accurately identify seizure origin.

Usually the abnormal part of the brain is small, and only this area needs to be taken out.

Resective epilepsy surgery

Even though consultation with an seizure specialist is absolutely essential, consultation with an Epilepsy specialist in Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai is not absolutely necessary. There are many good Epilepsy specialists now, all over India.

How should you find the Epilepsy Specialist in Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai?

There is no single Epilepsy Specialist in Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai.

An epilepsy specialist is usually a Neurologist.

You can follow the following tips to find an Epilepsy specialist who is good for you:

  1. Find a person who has taken additional training in Epilepsy after his Neurology studies. A lot of this information is available online.
  2. Find a person who has experience with video-EEG monitoring and Epilepsy surgery.
  3. Find a person who is not too aggressive, but at the same time a person who is not very timid. IF Epilepsy surgery needs to be done, it is cruel to withhold it from the patient just because the doctor or relatives are scared.
    Benefit versus risk e1667058878859
    Find a person who is able to balance risk with benefit.
  4. Above all, find a person who is open to questions and ultimately someone you are comfortable with. It doesn’t matter if that doctor is the Epilepsy Specialist in the World – if he is not ready to answer your questions, and you are not comfortable with him/her – that doctor is not the right epilepsy specialist for you.
Find the Epilepsy Specialist in Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai for YOU.
Find the Epilepsy Specialist in Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai for YOU.

Is there such a thing as THE Epilepsy Specialist in Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai, or even in the entire world?

No.

A well-trained person who understand what he/she is doing, and above all has the best intentions of your patient at heart is THE Epilepsy Specialist in Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai for your patient.

You might find more than one person who meets this criteria.

Epilepsy Purple Day

I know that sometimes chronic diseases can be distressing.

I hope this information brings you some relief. As always, I wish you the best.

Dr. Siddharth Kharkar.
MBBS, MD Neurology (USA), MHS
Fellowship in Epilepsy  – UCSF, USA
Fellowship in Parkinson’s disease – Kings College London

Neuro+ Epilepsy & Parkinson’s Clinic – Dr. Kharkar

Dr Balabhai Nanavati hospital,
Swami Vivekananda Rd,
near LIC, LIC Colony,
Suresh Colony, Vile Parle West,
Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai,
Maharashtra 400056

Call  –  022 – 4897 – 1800

neuroplusclinic@gmail.com

Caution: This information is not a substitute for professional care. Do not change your medications/treatment without your doctor's permission.
Dr. Siddharth Kharkar

Dr. Siddharth Kharkar

Dr. Siddharth Kharkar has been recognized as one of the best neurologists in Mumbai by Outlook India magazine and India today Magazine. He is a board certified (American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology certified) Neurologist.

Dr. Siddharth Kharkar is a Epilepsy specialist in Mumbai & Parkinson's specialist in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

He has trained in the best institutions in India, US and UK including KEM hospital in Mumbai, Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, University of California at San Francisco (UCSF), USA & Kings College in London.

Call 022-4897-1800

Send Message


NeuroPlus Epilepsy & Parkinson's Clinic - Dr. Kharkar IconNeuroPlus Epilepsy & Parkinson's Clinic - Dr. Kharkar

near LIC, Dr Balabhai Nanavati hospital, near LIC, Swami Vivekananda Road, LIC Colony, Vile Parle

4.6 87 reviews

  • Avatar Paras Prabhu ★★★★★ 6 months ago
    Out patient is epileptic from about 10 years and her seizure gotten worse during the past year with the frequency of about 3-4 times a week.So we consulted … More Dr. Kharkar. He tried a few medicines, and within 1.5-2 months now the patient is feeling very well now. There are no seizures for 14 days currently.Dr. tried to keep medicines as minimum as possible. He also tried to keep the cost of the treatment minimum.When some of the medicines started showing side-effects, he was quick to switch the medicines to the better options.Overall I think we are getting a best of the available treatments. We thank you very much Dr. Kharkar.
  • Avatar Dr Shobha Sankhe ★★★★★ a month ago
    Dr Kharkar is gem of a doctor with tremendous patience, empathy, genuine concern for his patients .He guides them very methodically & scientifically … More for their neurological ill healthOur epilepsy patient is extremely happy with his treatment , Patient feels better by just visiting him too!May his selfless service to humanity flourish to reach all the needy patients!!
  • Avatar shrruti khanna ★★★★★ a month ago
    I consulted Dr Sidharth for my sister who has become very hyper and aggressive and we could not understand the issue. Keeping in mind she is someone with … More special needs Dr Sidharth was extremely understanding of the situation and did not put her through unnecessary investigation and avoided a very long stay at the hospital. He was infact more keen on her returning home to her natural environment. We highly appreciate Dr Sidharth for his effort and for looking into the matter with utmost care. It was a very difficult decision for my family to get my sister admitted but we are glad we did it under his care.Thankyou Doc.
  • Avatar Prashant Purohit ★★★★★ a month ago
    my name is prashant purohit. I m become completely bed ridden from last 9 months and was unable to walk. I couldnt find out the cause even after visiting … More many doctors and many hospital in Ahmedabad nd jodhpur.started losing hope. A good friend of mine suggested to visit a neurologist. After searching a lot, I came to know about Dr. Siddharth Kharkar and took his appointment in Nanavati Hospital. He examined and said that he suffered from \u201cPKD(PAROXYSMAL KNESIGENIC DYSKNESIA\u201c. He assured us to reverse this in 5 days time. And indeed this happened. I started recovering miraculously. today I am fully well fit I m walking as normal . Many Many thanks to Dr. Siddharth Kharkhar sir for giving me a new life.
  • Avatar Sanjay Pradhan ★★★★★ 7 months ago
    Dr. Kharkar is truly exceptional. He is extremely knowledgeable. But simultaneously, he is extremely patient and kind - taking the time and care to respond … More to all the questions. It is rare to come across a doctor who is not in a hurry to get on to the next patient, but instead, focuses on the one in front with full attention, expertise and compassion. A great experience.
  • Avatar N N ★★★★★ a year ago
    We visited Dr. Kharkhar for treatment regarding my mum - who is a multi-stroke patient and has aphasia. Certain medications were creating complications … More with her condition and Dr. Kharkhar was able to help mitigate the issue. We found him and his approach to be incredibly compassionate, considerate, individualized and patient-friendly. He advice is astute, up-to-date and empathetic. His treatment always comes from a deeply human place and is about seeing how to help the patient and their caregivers feel more at ease. Something that is quite rare and refreshing within the medical community.We feel that he genuinely cares about the patients that he is treating and is always kind and respectful in his communication. Moreover, his admin team is very efficient and prompt and it's a pleasure to deal with them.Would highly recommend Dr Kharkhar himself - though we must say our experience with Nanavati hospital itself has been less than ideal.Hope this helps.
  • Avatar Manish Ranjan ★★★★★ a year ago
    I have been visiting Dr Kharkar for treatment of my father. He is a very friendly doctor. He listens to our concerns with lot of patience. He also explains … More the issue in much greater details. He has really been of great help. My father is much better now.
  • Avatar Pinakin Shah ★★★★★ a year ago
    One of the best Dr. Gives complete attention and time to listen to patient's history, issues. Explains various options of treatment with pros and … More cons.
  • Avatar Lawrence Castellino ★★★★★ a year ago
    Exceptional experience with an expert,Dr. Kharkar is a knowledge house. It is rare nowadays to find doctors with patience, knowledge, and a flair for … More handling patient’s questions, besides Dr. Kharkar’s bedside manners are exemplary. I am privileged to be treated by such an amazing soul. I have told him and will repeat it here that “I am advancing my move back to India although I am a US Citizen, because I know I am in good hands and will be well taken care of. Thanks Dr. Kharkar for your selfless service!
  • Avatar Hemant Kansara ★★★★★ a year ago
    Great doctor!! Really appreciate.The doctor diagnosed to my sister correctly and start treatment, she has good improvement after taking medicine prescribed … More by doctor as no epilepsy attake. We have good experience with the doctor. Thank you

Noted as one of the best Neurologists in Mumbai

India Today Magazine - 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023

Outlook India Magazine - 2021, 2023

Ex-Assistant Professor, University of Alabama, USA

Outlook India - Best neurologist in Mumbai