Epilepsy Expert Care by Dr Hafiz Muhammad Junaid
Epilepsy is a common neurological condition that causes repeated seizures. With the right diagnosis and treatment, most people lead active and independent lives. At MMTH, Dr Hafiz Muhammad Junaid, MBBS and FCPS Neurosurgery, provides expert, compassionate care for children and adults living with epilepsy.
Understanding epilepsy
Epilepsy happens when bursts of abnormal electrical activity in the brain trigger seizures. Seizures vary widely. Some cause brief staring spells or unusual sensations. Others cause shaking movements or loss of awareness. Epilepsy is not a mental illness and it is not contagious.
Possible causes include head injury, stroke, brain infections, structural brain changes present from birth, genetic factors, or tumors. In many people, the cause is not found, yet treatment is still effective.
Common types of seizures
– Focal seizures start in one brain area. They may cause a strange taste or smell, lip smacking, confusion, or twitching of one limb.
– Generalized seizures affect both sides of the brain. They may cause sudden staring, brief jerks of the arms, or full body stiffness and shaking with loss of consciousness.
– Auras are warning symptoms such as rising stomach sensation, sudden fear, or visual changes that may precede a seizure.
Common signs and symptoms
– Staring and unresponsiveness for a few seconds
– Repeated jerking movements of a limb or the whole body
– Sudden falls or loss of muscle tone
– Confusion or sleepiness after an event
– Unusual sensations such as tingling, smells, or deja vu
– Sudden brief jerks of arms or shoulders, often after waking
How epilepsy is diagnosed at MMTH
Accurate diagnosis guides the best treatment plan. Dr Hafiz Muhammad Junaid and the MMTH team use a stepwise approach
– Detailed medical history to understand events, triggers, family history, medications, and sleep patterns
– Neurological examination to assess brain and nerve function
– EEG to record brain waves and identify seizure patterns
– Video EEG monitoring when events are unclear or frequent
– Brain imaging such as MRI to look for structural causes
– Blood tests to check metabolic or infectious causes
– Additional tests such as PET or functional imaging when planning surgery
If you or a loved one has had a first seizure, blackouts, or unexplained spells, early evaluation reduces risks and speeds recovery.
Treatment options tailored to you
Most people become seizure free with medication and lifestyle measures. For those who do not, advanced therapies and surgery can offer lasting control.
Anti seizure medications
– Multiple modern medicines are available and are selected based on seizure type, age, other health conditions, and possible side effects
– The goal is seizure freedom with minimal side effects
– Never stop or change a medicine without medical advice
Lifestyle and supportive care
– Regular sleep, stress control, and consistent medication timing
– Avoid known triggers such as missed doses, sleep deprivation, and excessive screen flicker
– Nutrition guidance including ketogenic or modified Atkins diet in selected patients under specialist supervision
– Counseling and education for patients and families
Advanced therapies and epilepsy surgery
When seizures continue despite two appropriate medicines, surgical evaluation may be recommended. As Head of Neurosurgery at MMTH, Dr Hafiz Muhammad Junaid offers comprehensive presurgical assessment and modern procedures
– Resection or lesionectomy removal of the small brain area that triggers seizures
– Temporal lobe surgery for well defined temporal lobe epilepsy
– Minimally invasive options including laser ablation in suitable cases
– Neurostimulation options such as vagus nerve stimulation and other device therapies where appropriate and available
– Tailored plans developed by a multidisciplinary team including neurology, neurosurgery, neurophysiology, radiology, and psychology
Living well with epilepsy
– Take medicines at the same time daily. Use reminders or pill boxes
– Sleep 7 to 9 hours for adults and age appropriate hours for children
– Limit alcohol and avoid recreational drugs
– Keep a seizure diary to track events and triggers
– Discuss driving rules and workplace safety with your doctor based on local regulations
– Women planning pregnancy should consult early for medication review and folic acid guidance
Seizure first aid
1. Stay calm and time the event
2. Protect the person from injury. Clear sharp objects and gently guide them to the floor
3. Cushion the head and turn on the side to help breathing
4. Loosen tight clothing around the neck
5. Do not put anything in the mouth and do not restrain movements
6. Stay until fully alert and offer reassurance
Call emergency services if any of the following occurs
– Seizure lasts longer than five minutes
– Repeated seizures without full recovery
– Breathing does not return to normal
– Serious injury during the event
– First ever seizure or the person is pregnant or has diabetes
Care for children and older adults
Epilepsy in children may affect learning and behavior. Early treatment and school support help children thrive. In older adults, seizures may be linked to stroke or medicines. Gentle evaluation and careful dosing reduce side effects while protecting quality of life.
Why choose Dr Hafiz Muhammad Junaid at MMTH
– Head of Neurosurgery with extensive experience in epilepsy care and surgery
– Patient centered approach with clear explanations and shared decisions
– Full diagnostic capability including EEG, video EEG, and high resolution MRI
– Multidisciplinary team for complex and drug resistant epilepsy
– Modern operating theaters and postoperative monitoring for safe recovery
– Ongoing follow up to optimize long term outcomes
Take the next step
If you or a family member is experiencing seizures or has been diagnosed with epilepsy, timely expert care makes all the difference. Book a consultation with Dr Hafiz Muhammad Junaid at the Neurosurgery Department, MMTH. For appointments, contact the MMTH appointment desk through the hospital website or the main hospital number listed there, or visit the MMTH Neurosurgery OPD during working hours. Bring prior reports or scan images to your visit so your evaluation can start right away.
Your health and safety come first. Reach out today to discuss a personalized plan and regain confidence in daily life with trusted care from Dr Hafiz Muhammad Junaid.