Epilepsy: Causes, Treatment, and Insurance Coverage

Epilepsy is a chronic, non-communicable brain disease that can happen to people of all ages. More than 50 million people across the globe are affected by this neurological disease. Epilepsy patients have a three times greater risk of departing this world as compared to the general population. According to the reports, up to 70% of epilepsy patients can avoid seizures if their condition is identified and treated correctly. Though health insurance companies usually do not cover epilepsy, you can still use the health insurance plan to your advantage. Do you want to know "how"? Continue reading to find out! However, before that, let’s first understand what causes epilepsy and how it can be treated. 

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological condition in which the normal nerve cell activity of the brain is disordered. As a result, the person may have disturbing episodes known as "seizures." During a seizure, a person may exhibit unusual behaviour, symptoms and sensations that could occasionally result in unconsciousness. You may notice very few common symptoms among different seizures. Usually, epilepsy is treated with medication, but various other methods such as curative surgeries and dietary changes may also cure it. 

Types of Epilepsy 

Listed below are the two types of epilepsy that are classified based on the seizure symptoms experienced by the patient. 

• Generalized Epilepsy

Under this epilepsy type, the patient’s brain is invaded by abnormal electrical impulses, which result in seizures. 

• Partial Epilepsy

This type of epilepsy is also known as focal or localized epilepsy. In this case, a small, localized part of the brain generates abnormal electrical impulses that cause seizures. Causes Of Epilepsy 

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can be caused by faulty brain wiring, physical injury, infection, and others. Here are some of the main causes of this order. 

• Infectious Diseases

Some infectious diseases, such as encephalitis, meningitis, and others, can result in a blockage between the blood and the brain. As a result, toxins may be released, and the patient may develop epilepsy. 

• Genital Factors

The person may be more prone to epilepsy due to genetic mutations such as an excess or lack of hormones that control nerves. 

• Stroke and Trauma 

Seizures can also be caused by strokes or physical damage to the brain or skull. 

• Brain Structure Abnormalities

Some physical and qualitative brain structure disabilities, such as abnormal neuronal or glial proliferation, excess or limited neurons in a specific brain area, and others, can cause epilepsy. 

• Abnormalities in the Immune System

The presence of autoantibodies against voltage-gated potassium channels can cause epilepsy in some people. 

Symptoms of Epilepsy

Some of the common symptoms of epilepsy are listed below. 

• High fever
• Short-term confusion
• Loss of consciousness 
• Fear and anxiety 
• Seizures lasting more than 5min
• Non-stop seizures
• Jerk movement of arms and legs

Causes of Epilepsy

The real cause behind epilepsy (in most cases) is still unknown, however, a few factors can lead to epilepsy, such as:

• Genetic Factor: If your ancestors or family members suffered epilepsy, there is a good chance that you might be showing symptoms due to genetic influence. Some forms of epilepsy can result from hereditary changes.
• Brain Injury: One can also face epilepsy due to head injuries suffered during a car accident or by falling and hitting the head on the surface.
• Infections: Another common cause of epilepsy is brain infections, such as Meningitis, viral encephalitis, brain abscess, etc.
• Developmental Disorders: Some people suffer brain abnormalities from their childbirth, for example, people with autism. In such cases, even anti-seizure medications fail to control seizures. They have a higher risk of getting diagnosed with epilepsy.
• Immune Disorders: In our body, the immune system plays a key role in protecting the body from toxic or foreign substances. But, with autoimmune diseases, the body's immune system starts attacking brain cells, resulting in epilepsy.

Diagnosis And Treatment of Epilepsy

Treatment may help epilepsy patients either cure the disorder completely or reduce the number of seizures. However, a person must undergo some diagnostic tests to understand which part of the brain is causing seizures. Listed below are some of the diagnostic tests that doctors may recommend. 

• Electroencephalography (EEG):

Under this diagnosis, sensors are attached to the brain to take readings and find out if any unusual electrical activity is happening inside the brain. 

• Magneto Encephalography (MEG): 

This examination is similar to the EEG, however, magnetic fields developed in the brain during an activity can also be measured through magnetoencephalography. 

• Magnetic Resource Imaging (MRI): 

Radio waves and powerful magnets of an MRI scan can determine any tumor or brain tissue damage and any other abnormalities. 

Depending on the diagnosis, a doctor may prescribe medications and other treatments. Some of the common treatments include-

• Anti-Epileptic Drugs 
• Surgery that removes the brain tissue causing the seizures
• Control of seizures with a small electrical device
• The Ketogenic diet to control seizures
• Cognitive behavioral therapy

Under some circumstances, an epilepsy patient may require lifelong treatment. However, if the seizure stops, a person can stop the treatment too. Your doctor will prescribe the best treatment depending on the severity of your condition. 

Health Insurance Coverage For Epilepsy Treatment

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that has no permanent cure yet. Under this brain condition, the patient can suffer recurrent seizures, loss of consciousness, and anxiety issues. The health condition requires long-term medical treatment, which can be costly for most individuals and families. Fortunately, certain health insurance plans in India that provide coverage for epilepsy treatment or underlying causes at a good premium rate. With an insurance plan in hand, the policyholder can get coverage for hospitalization, doctor consultation, surgery, etc.

Top Health Insurance Plans Covering Epilepsy Treatment in India

There is hardly any insurance company that provides direct coverage for epilepsy treatment in India. However, there are several insurance companies that provide coverage for the underlying medical conditions responsible for epilepsy, i.e., mental illness, developmental disorders, or psychological disorders. Here are a few insurance plans for epilepsy:

1.  Bajaj Allianz Epilepsy Care Plan

The epilepsy care plan offered by Bajaj Allianz Health is a comprehensive plan that offers coverage for epilepsy treatment. People between the age of 18 and 65 years are eligible to buy the Epilepsy Care plan. Under this plan, the policyholder will get cover for unlimited doctor consultations, lab tests, and radiology. Bajaj Allianz Epilepsy care plan has two variants - Essential Plan (starting at Rs 2499) and Classic Plan (starting at Rs 5499), you can choose any one as per your health requirement and financial need.

2.  Reliance General Insurance (Health Gain Plan)

Reliance General Insurance's Health Gain Plan does not provide direct coverage for epilepsy but covers underlying medical conditions. People aged 18 years to 65 years and children aged 91 days to 25 years are eligible for this insurance plan. Under this plan, the policyholder gains various benefits, i.e., hospitalization cover, diagnosis cover, etc. Also, a 3-year waiting period for pre-existing diseases is available. Further, the insurance company provides network hospitals for cashless treatment.

3.  HDFC ERGO Critical Illness - Platinum Plan

The Critical Illness - Platinum Plan from HDFC ERGO is another policy you can rely on for epilepsy's underlying condition. This plan offers a 90-day waiting period for pre-existing diseases and a lifetime renewability option. Under this plan, the insured individual gets a lump sum amount covering hospital bills, diagnosis, and other treatment expenses at affordable premiums.

4.  Care Health Insurance Plans Covering Chronic Illnesses

Care Health Insurance provides a wide range of health insurance plans that cover chronic illness. A sum insured from 3 lakh to 6 crore is available under care insurance plans. Further, it covers 32 critical illnesses under the different plans, including Stroke. Care Insurance also has 24800+ cashless healthcare providers across India.

Factors To Consider When Choosing An Insurance Plan For Epilepsy

When choosing a suitable health insurance plan for epilepsy treatment, make sure to consider the following factors in mind:

• Waiting Period: When you purchase a plan, epilepsy might be considered a pre-existing condition. So, check the waiting period for pre-existing disease in your selected plan as it may range around 2-4 years (vary from insurer to insurer). Try to apply for a plan with a less waiting period so that you can get coverage for your epilepsy treatment early.
• Doctor Consultation Benefit: Make sure to check your selected plan provides coverage for doctor consultation and other charges apart from the surgery and other treatment.
• Critical Illness Add-Ons: In some cases, epilepsy patients may have more complications which are often not covered in the main policy. Ensure you have critical illness riders available that can offer additional coverage in such cases.
• Network Hospitals: Check if your insurance company has a good list of network hospitals for cashless treatments. Having access to this feature will enable policyholders to get epilepsy treatment with less financial stress.
• Availability of Renewal Option: Since epilepsy is a long-term medical condition, you may require financial support for more than a year. Hence, choose a health insurance plan that provides lifelong renewability.

Conclusion 

Epilepsy has become the most common neurological disease worldwide. It can happen to anyone at any stage of their life. However, one can prevent it by following a healthy lifestyle. Apart from this, make sure that you have bought a reliable health insurance policy that covers genetic problems, mental illnesses, and psychological disorders to avoid paying hefty medical and treatment bills from your own pocket.

Also read: Here's why you should upgrade to a multi-year health insurance policy

FAQs

Q1: Is epilepsy not covered by insurance?

A1: Only a few insurance companies like Bajaj FinServ offer a specific plan for epilepsy. Not all companies provide direct coverage for epilepsy. However, they cover the underlying medical issues and psychological disorders responsible for epilepsy.

Q2: Do health insurance plans for epilepsy offer benefits for doctor consultations?

A2: Yes, insured individuals get coverage for doctor consultation for epilepsy, i.e., any charges that the policyholder bears for consulting a doctor related to their condition will get reimbursed.

Q3: Is epilepsy curable?

A3: There are many treatment options available for epilepsy yet it can't be permanently cured. However, the underlying causes and symptoms can be managed to a certain percentage with proper medication.

Q4: What factors trigger epilepsy?

A4: Lack of sleep, overeating, caffeine, low blood sugar level, head injuries, stress, alcohol, etc. can trigger epilepsy disease.

Q5: How can I claim for epilepsy treatment?

A5: Visit your selected insurance company's official website or app to apply for claim benefits. You can even reach out to the InsuranceDekho support team via mail (support@insurancedekho.com) for plan assistance and queries.