Treatment of Epilepsy in Germany

The primary goal of a physician in treating epilepsy seizures is to find the best possible therapy to stop the seizures while avoiding side effects. Often, treatment of epilepsy seizures involves taking anti-seizure medications. For most people with epilepsy, seizures stop after trying one or two of these medications.

A special diet may also lead to improved seizure control. However, it may be challenging for some patients due to limited food options. If treatment with at least two anti-seizure medications is unsuccessful, surgery may be an option. The goal of surgery is to prevent seizures with minimal side effects. There are several types of surgeries, including:

• Resection of the lobe: Surgical removal of the area in the brain where seizures originate.
• Laser ablation: Destruction of brain cells causing seizures by directing high-energy beams onto them.
• Performing multiple incisions in specific brain regions to prevent seizures.
• Surgery to disconnect the connections between nerve cells of the right and left halves of the brain.
• Hemispherotomy: Complete separation of one side of the brain from the rest of the brain and body.

In Germany, there are between 500,000 to 650,000 epilepsy patients according to estimates from the Ministry of Health. Due to this large number of patients, the Ministry of Health has focused on providing the necessary infrastructure and everything needed to treat this disease. There are many specialized hospitals that have gained significant experience in controlling the disease and developing therapies and medications to stop or reduce seizures, such as Beta Clinic in Bonn, Schön Clinic in Bad Aibling, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin - Epilepsy Department, International Institute of Neurology in Hanover, and many other specialized clinics.

The treatment of epilepsy in Germany is characterized by the highest diagnostic accuracy in the world, thanks to the latest imaging devices, advanced scientific research in drug development, and the extensive experience of specialized doctors in epilepsy treatment. The German healthcare system has developed therapeutic programs that allow patients to control seizures and lead normal lives.

German medications show good results in controlling the disease with minimal side effects. In advanced cases unresponsive to medication, patients undergo minimally invasive or non-invasive procedures without complications or side effects such as the Visualase™ system or LITT:

The basic principle of both methods is to use a laser to direct a heat beam to the target segments in the brain. Only the affected tissues are treated without affecting healthy tissue, with the laser being precisely controlled.

Visualase™ is used to treat hard-to-reach lesions that are difficult to reach with conventional surgical methods.

The laser is introduced into the target area through thin channels and precisely controlled using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging techniques to reach the specific area of the brain.

Compared to traditional surgeries, this technique allows for shortened recovery times and minimizes risk, maintaining the patient's quality of life.

Due to the high precision control in laser guidance and temperature regulation, as well as integration with other technologies such as assisted laser imaging, these are the main goals of any treatment in Germany: effectiveness, safety, complication avoidance, and rapid patient recovery.

We at VIP Medical Service are ready to provide you with more information and facilitate medical consultations with leading doctors in Germany. Simply contact us at:

+49 261 550 131 68 info@ vipmedical-service.de

Sources:

thelancet.com

medtronic.com