Best Epilepsy Treatment in India [Among the Best Epilepsy doctors in India]

Dr. Siddharth Kharkar, MBBS, MD Neurology (USA), MHS

Dr. Siddharth Kharkar

Dr. Siddharth Deepak Kharkar

MBBS, MD (Neurology, USA), MHS

Recognized as one of the

Best Neurologists in Mumbai

By India Today magazine (2020, 2021, 2023) & Outlook India Magazine (2020, 2023).

Best Epilepsy Treatment in India at Mumbai, including Epilepsy Surgery

Dr. Siddharth Kharkar is an internationally trained Epilepsy specialist in Mumbai, India who runs the NeuroPlus Epilepsy & Parkinson’s clinics. He is noted as one of the best Epilepsy doctors in India. He provides the best Epilepsy treatment in India itself, including Epilepsy surgery in India. He is available at Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai, India and in clinics around Mumbai.

He finished his MBBS from KEM hospital, MHS from Johns Hopkins University, USA his MD Neurology from Drexel University, USA. He completed his 2-year fellowship in Epilepsy surgery from the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF), USA which is one of the centers offering best epilepsy treatment in the world.

He was part of the Epilepsy faculty at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) before returning to India. Since then, He has been recognized as one of the best neurologists in Mumbai by India Today & Outlook India magazines.

Treatment of epilepsy is possible in almost all cases
Epilepsy is common and treatment of Epilepsy is possible in almost all cases.

As one of the best epilepsy doctors in India, Dr. Siddharth Kharkar conducts medically resistant Epilepsy treatment specialist clinics.

This means that many of the patients with Epilepsy who come to this clinic have Epilepsy that is not controlled with medications.

This can happen due to many reasons.

  1. Misdiagnosis:
    For example, a patient who is passing out repeatedly may have a cardiac problem, instead of Epilepsy.
    Cardiac arrhythmia
    Problems with heart beat rhythm can be wrongly diagnosed as seizures.
  2. Improper characterization of Epilepsy:
    Epilepsy is of many different types. For the best Epilepsy treatment in India or any other city to be given, the exact type of Epilepsy should be identified. This leads to the correct choice of medications.
    Epilepsy surgery in Mumbai cannot be done for Generalized epilepsy.
    There are 2 types of seizures: Generalized & Focal. They have different treatments.

    For example, in a condition called Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, a medication called Clobazam may be the best treatment for seizures.

  3. Incomplete explanation given to the patient: 
    Very often, patients don’t take their medications correctly either because they are disturbed by their diagnosis and want to deny it. Sometimes, they may not understand how exactly to take their medications.
    The best Epilepsy treatment in India does not end with a mathematical calculation of medication names and dosages.
    It is very important to explain Epilepsy completely to the patient. This helps in settling emotional turmoil and helps in taking antiepileptic medications regularly.
    doctor talking to patient
  4. Medically resistant Epilepsy needing Epilepsy surgery in India at Mumbai:
    In about 20-30% of patients, Epilepsy is not completely controlled by medications. Seizures keep happening even if medications are changed multiple times.
    In such cases, a different thought process is required. Such cases may require the removal of the diseased part of the brain, the part that is not working and producing seizures.
    The best epilepsy surgery in Mumbai removes the diseased part of the brain completely. This stops seizures from being generated.
    Epilepsy surgery in India removes the diseased part of the brain completely. This stops seizures from being generated.

    If done correctly, Epilepsy surgery success rates are very high.

Best Epilepsy Treatment in India at Mumbai Services

The following services are provided at the NeuroPlus clinics at Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai, Thane and Virar:

1. Evaluation & Characterization of Seizures by Epilepsy specialist in India:

  • The best epilepsy treatment in India begins with evaluation of epileptic seizures, including differentiation from other disorders which can mimic seizures including syncope and non-epileptic seizures (psychogenic seizures, PNES)
  • Sub-categorization and identification of pathologies including temporal lobe epilepsy, occipital lobe epilepsy, focal cortical dysplasia, hippocampal sclerosis or mesial temporal sclerosis etc.
    Temporal lobectomy surgery
    Seizures frequently arise from the temporal lobe
  • Characterization of seizures, with Video EEG monitoring in Mumbai if needed.
  • Defining the Epilepsy syndrome e.g. Lennox-Gastaut, Panayitopoulos syndrome etc. This helps to provide the best treatment for Epilepsy.

2. Antiepileptic medication adjustment

  • Selecting the first anti-epileptic medication is relatively easy. However, if 2 or more anti-epileptic medications need to be given for seizures, a number of things need to be kept in mind to ensure the best treatment for Epilepsy. Some of the medication adjustments needed are as follows.
    Medication adjustment is essential for the best treatment of Epilepsy in Mumbai.
    When 2 or more medications needs to be taken together, it needs to be done with a lot of care to ensure the best treatment for Epilepsy.
  • A major part of providing the best epilepsy treatment in India is to make sure that all anti-epileptic medications given are appropriate for the type of epilepsy.
  • Next, the best epilepsy treatment in India is only possible by making sure that the anti-epileptic medications don’t interact with one another. For example, if someone is taking both phenobarbitone and lamotrigine, the lamotrigine becomes ineffective.
  • And finally, the best epilepsy treatment in India includes making sure that the anti-epileptic medications don’t interact with other medications that the patient is taking.

4. Video EEG in Mumbai

In certain cases, the patient may be admitted and continuous video EEG monitoring (also called Epilepsy monitoring) is done.

Patients may be admitted into the hospital for video EEG monitoring in Mumbai (Epilepsy monitoring)
Video EEG monitoring is done inside the hospital. The EEG is recorded 24 hours a day.

Long term Video-EEG monitoring is done for the following reasons:

  • When the diagnosis of Epilepsy is in doubt.
  • When the type of Epilepsy is not clear.
  • When the anti-epileptic medications need to be changed rapidly.
  • When the EEG background needs to be studied closely, especially during sleep.
  • When the patient is not responding to medications – to plan Epilepsy surgery.

How long does the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit admission or video EEG monitoring in Mumbai, India 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

3. Epilepsy surgery in Mumbai, India

Epilepsy surgery for Epilepsy treatment in India is done only in cases which don’t respond to all these efforts.

If seizures keep happening despite taking adequate doses of 2 or more appropriate anti-epileptic medications, you should consider Epilepsy Surgery.

As part of providing the best Epilepsy treatment in India, Dr. Siddharth Kharkar provides evaluation for Epilepsy surgery in all clinics. But he provides Epilepsy surgery in India only at Nanavati Hospital in Mumbai.

The process of Epilepsy surgery including Epilepsy surgery cost in India is described in detail in another article here: [Epilepsy surgery in Mumbai, India – How is it done?]

Briefly, all patients who get Epilepsy surgery need the following tests:

  1. MRI Brain at 3 Tesla – Epilepsy Protocol
    Brain disease diagnosis with medical doctor seeing Magnetic Resonance Imaging MRI film diagnosing elderly ageing patient neurodegenerative illness problem for neurological medical treatment
    A very high resolution MRI (3 Tesla MRI) is done before all Epilepsy surgeries in Mumbai.
  2. Video EEG monitoring – to capture at least 2-3 seizures of each type. This may take between 2-7 days depending on your seizure frequency.
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    Video EEG monitoring in Mumbai can take between 2-7 days depending on your seizure frequency. Ideally, 2 seizures of each type are captured before Epilepsy surgery.
  3. f-MRI (functional MRI) – This tells us the location of the language areas in the brain. Damage to any of these areas is avoided during surgery.
  4. Neuropsychological testing – to understand the thinking and memory functions of the patient’s brain
  5. Psychiatric assessment – To make sure that the patient’s emotional needs are addressed

In addition, depending on the case, the following things may be needed for the best epilepsy surgery:

  1. PET scan
    Scans depicting CT PET and fMRI brain scans e1621254912562
    PET scans, SPECT scans and MEG scans are special scans that are required in some patients before Epilepsy surgery.
  2. SPECT scan
  3. MEG scan
  4. Stereo-EEG or intracranial electrode implantation

We are able to provide evaluation and all types Epilepsy surgery in Mumbai including simple temporal lobectomy (Temporal lobe epilepsy surgery), disconnection surgeries, corpus callosotomies, non-lesional respective surgeries and neuromodulation including Vagus Nerve stimulation (VNS) in Mumbai, India.

4. Vagal Nerve Stimulation (VNS) for Epilepsy treatment in India

A Vagus nerve stimulator is a special device that can be used when resective surgery cannot be done.

Sometimes, the seizure-producing area of the brain cannot be removed by surgery. This happens in the following cases:

  • The seizure-producing area is too big
  • There are many seizure-producing areas, on both sides of the brain.
  • The seizure-producing area is too close to a critical part of the brain.
  • The seizure-producing area is not clear, in spite of multiple investigations.
  • For Epilepsy syndromes like Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, it can be one of the important components of the best treatment for Epilepsy.

In such cases, Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) surgery in India is provided.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) surgery in Mumbai for Epilepsy
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) surgery is very simple.

VNS is a special device which sits under the skin in the chest. A small wire from this device is connected to a nerve in the neck.

This is a simple surgery, however, the efficacy is less than removing the diseased part of the brain (resective surgery). VNS implantation and programming are provided at NeuroPlus Clinic in Mumbai.

5. Summary of Best Epilepsy treatment in India services

Routine EEG recordingYes
Video EEG monitoring in Mumbai, India / Epilepsy Monitoring admissionYes
Epilepsy specialist in Mumbai, India evaluation and Medicine titrationYes
Evaluation for Epilepsy surgery in MumbaiYes
3 Tesla MRI for identifying very small problems in the brainYes
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan to identify abnormal areas of the brain producing seizuresYes
Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan to identify the areas of the brain producing seizuresYes
Functional MRI (fMRI) to identify the parts of the brain that produce language, hand movement etc and therefore should be preserved during epilepsy surgeryYes
Stereo EEG (sEEG) for identification of the epilepsy focus – needed in about 10-20% casesYes
Subdural grid monitoring for identification of Epilepsy focus – usually not neededYes
Resective epilepsy surgery for termination of Epilepsy including the following surgeries:Yes
– Right and Left temporal lobectomy in MumbaiYes
– Removal of Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD)Yes
– Removal of other lesions which can cause Epilepsy such as Cavernomas and low grade tumors (e.g. DNETs)Yes
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) surgery in India for EpilepsyYes

Dr. Siddharth Kharkar

Among the best epilepsy doctors in India - Dr. Siddharth Kharkar

Dr. Siddharth Deepak Kharkar

Neurologist in Mumbai
Epilepsy Specialist in India

MBBS, MD (Neurology, USA), MHS

Call 022-4897-1800

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Dr. Siddharth Kharkar has been recognized as one of the best neurologists in Mumbai by Outlook India magazine and India today Magazine.

Dr. Kharkar is a USA board certified (American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology certified) Neurologist. 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.

Dr. Siddharth Kharkar was part of the Epilepsy faculty at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, USA.

Currently, Dr. Siddharth Kharkar is a General Neurologist, Epilepsy specialist (Seizure specialist) & Parkinson's specialist practicing in Mumbai, India.

He is also one of the current International coordinators of the Non-Motor Parkinson's disease study Group (International Parkinson's and Movement Disorder Society).

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

Dr Balabhai Nanavati hospital, near LIC, LIC Colony, Vile Parle, Maharashtra 400056
022-4897-1800

Experience
  • MBBS – King Edward Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India
  • MHS – Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
  • Research Coordinator, Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
  • Residency in Internal Medicine – Washington Hospital Center, Washington DC, USA
  • Residency in Neurology – Drexel University, Philadelphia, USA
  • Fellowship in Epilepsy – University of California at San Francisco (UCSF), USA
  • Clinical attachment in Movement disorders, Kings College, London, UK
  • Assistant Professor of Epilepsy, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, USA
  • Consultant Neurologist, Wockhardt Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, India
  • Consultant Neurologist, Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai India
  • International coordinator for the Non-Motor Parkinson's disease study Group (International Parkinson's and Movement Disorder Society).
Honors and Awards
  • 2020 - "Top Neurologists in Mumbai" - Outlook India Magazine
  • 2020 - "Best Neurologists in Mumbai" - India Today Magazine
  • 2021 - "Best Neurologists in Mumbai" - India Today Magazine
  • 2011 – Best Resident Research project award - Drexel University, USA
  • 2010 – Selected for the national “Neurology Residents Scholar Program” for epilepsy training, Drexel University, USA
  • 2008 – Humanitarian Resident of the Year award, Drexel University, USA
Member of:
  • Indian Academy of Neurology
  • Maharashtra Association of Neurology
  • American Academy of Neurology
  • American Epilepsy Society
  • International Parkinson's & Movement Disorders Society
Invited Reviewer
  1. Journal of Parkinson's disease
  2. Epilepsy Research
  3. Annals of Neurology
  4. Neurosurgery
  5. Journal of Neurosurgery
Selected publications
  1. Kharkar, S., Ellenbogen, J. R., Samuel, M., Rizos, A., Silverdale, M., Chaudhuri, K. R., & Ashkan, K. Changes in Parkinson’s disease sleep symptoms and daytime somnolence after bilateral subthalamic deep brain stimulation in Parkinson’s disease. NPJ Parkinson’s Disease, 2018, 4, 16
  2. Kharkar S, Knowlton RD: Magnetoencephalography in the presurgical evaluation of epilepsy. Epilepsy and Behavior. 2014 Dec 30. pii: S1525-5050(14)00648-9
  3. Kharkar S, Rochestie D, Pillai J, Haneef Z: Anti-epileptic Drug Prescription Patterns and Socio-economic status– Seizure. 2014 Apr;23(4):290-4
 
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