This page lists 5 epilepsy doctors in Chennai, India. Review each doctor's experience, specialty and hospital, then contact our care team for help with the next step.
Quick answer
This page lists 5 epilepsy doctors in Chennai, India. Review each doctor's experience, specialty and hospital, then contact our care team for help with the next step.
About Epilepsy doctors in Chennai, India
This directory is based on doctors currently listed in GAF Healthcare's registry. Clinical suitability varies by patient; a doctor should review your history and investigations before any treatment decision.
About the Condition
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition characterised by a tendency to have recurrent, unprovoked seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It affects people of all ages and, when poorly controlled, carries meaningful risks including injury from falls, prolonged seizures (status epilepticus), cognitive and psychological impact, and — in a small proportion of cases — sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Seizure type, frequency, and underlying cause vary widely, which is why thorough assessment — including a detailed personal and family medical history, neurological examination, and targeted investigations — is essential before any treatment pathway is recommended. No two presentations are identical, and management decisions depend entirely on an individual's clinical picture.
Individual assessmentEvery case is different
Complete evaluationUnderstand the condition first
Specialist reviewChoose the right approach
Medical assessment helps clarify severity and identify appropriate options.
Treatment options for Epilepsy
Care may include lifestyle changes, medical treatment, specialist review or a procedure, depending on the diagnosis, associated conditions and individual goals. The options below are associated with this condition in the GAF Healthcare directory.
Epilepsy surgery is a neurosurgical treatment for patients with drug-resistant (refractory) epilepsy, where seizures continue despite adequate trials of anti-epileptic medications.
Why it may be consideredThe goal is to identify and remove, disconnect, or modulate the seizure-generating area of the brain to reduce or eliminate seizures. Candidacy is determined through detailed pre-surgical evaluation including video EEG monitoring and advanced imaging.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) implant is a neurosurgical procedure in which a small pacemaker-like device is placed under the skin below the collarbone and connected to the vagus nerve in the neck to deliver regular electrical pulses to the brain.
Why it may be consideredIt is primarily used to reduce seizure frequency and severity in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy who are not candidates for or have not responded well to resective surgery, and occasionally for treatment-resistant depression. The goal is to improve seizure control and quality of life alongside continued antiepileptic medication.
Apollo Proton Cancer Centre Chennai, India32+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
32+ years of experience in Neurosurgeon
Currently serving as Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai, with a focus on complex brain and spine tumor surgery.
Previously served as Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon at Square Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, delivering advanced neurosurgical care to patients across South Asia.
Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Epilepsy & Functional Neurosurgery, Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Neurosurgical Skills Training (Simulation & Cadaver Dissection), MCh in Neurosurgery, MSc in Psychology, MBBS
Clinical Lead, Epilepsy and Functional Neurosurgery · Specialty: Neurosurgeon
Rela Hospital Chennai, India15+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
15+ years of experience in Neurosurgeon
Currently serving as Clinical Lead for Epilepsy and Functional Neurosurgery at Dr. Rela Institute & Medical Centre, Chennai.
Leading the development of a Level-4 Comprehensive Epilepsy Program integrating pediatric and adult care, advanced presurgical evaluation, and neurorehabilitation.
MBBS, DNB (Neurosurgery), Fellowship in Pediatric Neurosurgery and Neuro Endoscopy, Fellowship in Spinal and Microneurosurgery, Fellowship in Functional/Micro Neurosurgery & Spine Surgery
NABH — National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditationNABL — National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories accreditation
Many international patients consider India for epilepsy treatment for several reasons, including:
More affordable estimates
Competitive indicative costs compared with many other countries, for similar clinical standards.
Internationally accredited hospitals
Hospitals experienced in treating international patients.
Experienced specialists
Doctors who regularly manage similar cases.
Care coordination support
A team to help with planning, medical translation and follow-up.
How this directory is built
Doctors are matched using the specialty, location, condition (Epilepsy) recorded in their profiles. Inclusion is not an endorsement and does not guarantee a treatment outcome.
Need help with the next step?
Share your needs with our care coordination team for information about doctors and hospitals.
Common questions
FAQs about Epilepsy in Chennai, India
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder defined by two or more unprovoked seizures occurring more than 24 hours apart, or one unprovoked seizure with a high likelihood of recurrence based on clinical findings. It reflects an underlying tendency of the brain to generate abnormal, synchronised electrical discharges that temporarily disrupt normal brain function.
What are the symptoms and health risks of Epilepsy?
Seizures can take many forms — from brief staring episodes or subtle muscle jerks (absence or myoclonic seizures) to full convulsions with loss of consciousness (tonic-clonic seizures) — and may be accompanied by confusion, sensory disturbances, or automatic movements. Beyond the seizures themselves, people with epilepsy may experience post-ictal fatigue, memory difficulties, mood changes, and the psychosocial effects of living with an unpredictable condition. Experiencing any of these symptoms does not by itself establish a diagnosis of epilepsy, as similar presentations can arise from other neurological, cardiac, or metabolic conditions.
How is Epilepsy diagnosed?
Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on a careful account of events from the patient and any witnesses, alongside a full neurological and medical history. An EEG (electroencephalogram) is the key functional investigation, detecting abnormal electrical patterns in the brain; an MRI of the brain is typically performed to identify any structural cause such as a lesion, scar tissue, or cortical abnormality. In some cases, prolonged video-EEG monitoring, blood tests, neuropsychological assessment, and advanced imaging such as PET or SPECT may be needed — particularly when surgery is being considered — to map the seizure-onset zone and assess its relationship to critical brain areas.
How is Epilepsy treated?
Treatment approach depends on seizure type, epilepsy syndrome, identified cause, seizure frequency, and the impact on daily life, and should be determined in consultation with a qualified specialist. For many people, the first-line approach is anti-seizure medication (ASM), with the choice and dose of medication tailored to the individual; approximately 60–70% of people achieve good seizure control with medication alone. When seizures remain refractory — typically defined as failure of two or more appropriately chosen and tolerated medications — procedural options such as epilepsy resection surgery or vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) implantation may be evaluated as part of a structured pre-surgical workup.
Can Epilepsy be treated without surgery?
Anti-seizure medications remain the cornerstone of epilepsy management and are the appropriate starting point for almost all newly diagnosed individuals. Alongside medication, lifestyle modifications — including consistent sleep schedules, alcohol and drug avoidance, and stress management — play a meaningful supporting role. Dietary therapies such as the ketogenic diet or its variants are an established non-surgical option, particularly for children or adults in whom medications have not provided adequate control; psychological support and seizure-monitoring programmes are also important components of comprehensive, non-procedural care.
When is Epilepsy Surgery considered for Epilepsy?
Epilepsy Surgery may be considered when conservative or medical options have not achieved enough improvement, or when the severity of the condition warrants it. The decision depends on clinical assessment, expected benefits and individual risks.
Which doctor treats Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is primarily managed by a neurologist with a specialist interest in epilepsy, often referred to as an epileptologist. When surgical options are being explored, a neurosurgeon experienced in epilepsy surgery works alongside the neurologist, with input from neuropsychologists, neuroradiologists, and other members of a dedicated epilepsy multidisciplinary team.
How do I choose a doctor for Epilepsy?
When selecting a specialist or centre for epilepsy care, it is worth looking for a neurologist or epileptologist with documented experience in your specific seizure type or epilepsy syndrome, and — if surgery may be relevant — a hospital that offers a formally structured epilepsy surgery programme with access to advanced pre-surgical evaluation including video-EEG monitoring and functional neuroimaging. Clear arrangements for ongoing follow-up, medication review, and access to psychological or social support are also important factors to discuss before committing to a care pathway.
What documents do international patients need to share for a medical evaluation?
Share a medical summary, investigation and imaging or biopsy reports where relevant, a current medication list, previous diagnoses and related treatment records. Provide clear copies with translation where needed.
How does GAF Healthcare help international patients plan treatment in India?
Our care coordination team helps review initial medical information, connect you with suitable doctors and hospitals, explain next steps and indicative estimates, and organise a treatment plan before travel.
