What is an Epileptologist?
An epileptologist is a neurologist who has completed additional specialized fellowship training specifically in epilepsy and seizure disorders. While general neurologists treat a wide range of neurological conditions, epileptologists focus exclusively on epilepsy diagnosis, treatment, and management.
Epileptologist vs. Neurologist: Key Differences
| Aspect | Neurologist | Epileptologist |
|---|---|---|
| Training | 3-4 years neurology residency | Neurology residency + 1-2 years epilepsy fellowship |
| Specialization | All neurological conditions | Focused exclusively on epilepsy and seizure disorders |
| Advanced procedures | General neurological procedures | Video EEG monitoring, epilepsy surgery evaluation |
| Drug-resistant epilepsy | Basic management | Specialized training in complex cases |
| PNES diagnosis | Limited experience | Specialized skills in differentiating PNES from epilepsy |
While neurologists can treat epilepsy, patients with complex, drug-resistant, or atypical seizures often benefit from the specialized expertise of an epileptologist.
Why See an Epileptologist?
Patients should consider consulting an epileptologist in several situations:
Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
When seizures continue despite trying multiple anti-seizure medications at appropriate doses.
Unclear Diagnosis
When it's uncertain whether episodes are truly epileptic seizures or another condition like PNES.
Frequent Seizures
Multiple seizures per month affecting quality of life and daily functioning.
Complex Seizure Types
Unusual seizure presentations requiring specialized diagnostic techniques.
Epilepsy Surgery Evaluation
Assessment for potential surgical treatment of epilepsy.
Medication Side Effects
Significant adverse effects from anti-seizure medications requiring specialized management.
Our Doctors' Training & Credentials
Epileptologist
Dr. Abhishek Gohel
Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi
NIMHANS, Bangalore
Smt. NHL MMC, Ahmedabad
Clinical Focus
- Co-established Drug-Refractory Epilepsy Dept, KD Hospital
- VEEG & SEEG analysis and planning
- Neuromodulation (DBS, VNS), MRI post-processing
- PNES diagnosis, autoimmune epilepsy
Neurologist · AIR 1
Dr. Rutul Shah
Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi
NIMHANS, Bangalore — All India Rank 1
Clinical Focus
- Pre-surgical evaluation of drug-refractory epilepsy
- Scalp EEGs, prolonged VEEGs & invasive EEG
- Advanced epilepsy imaging, intraoperative ECOG
- NCS, EMG & RNS
- Stroke, dementia, demyelinating disorders
Both doctors trained at NIMHANS — one of India's most respected neuroscience institutes — bringing combined depth in epilepsy diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management.
Conditions We Treat
Our team provides comprehensive epilepsy care, including:
Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
For seizures persisting despite 2+ medications at adequate doses. Evaluation includes video EEG, MRI post-processing, PET/SPECT, and assessment for epilepsy surgery or neuromodulation (VNS, DBS).
Video EEG Monitoring
Continuous monitoring with simultaneous video and EEG recording to capture and characterize seizures for accurate diagnosis.
PNES (Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures)
Specialized diagnosis and management of non-epileptic seizures using video EEG monitoring and multidisciplinary approach.
Epilepsy Surgery Evaluation
Phase I (scalp EEG, MRI, neuropsychology) and Phase II (SEEG/subdural grids) evaluation to localize the seizure focus and determine surgical candidacy.
Autoimmune Epilepsy
Diagnosis and immunotherapy for seizures caused by autoimmune conditions affecting the brain.
Status Epilepticus
Emergency management and long-term prevention of prolonged seizures and seizure emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
While both are medical doctors specializing in brain disorders, there are key differences:
- Neurologist: Completed medical school plus 3-4 years neurology residency, treats all neurological conditions including stroke, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy
- Epileptologist: Completed all neurologist training PLUS 1-2 years additional fellowship specifically in epilepsy, focuses exclusively on seizure disorders
Think of it like general medicine vs cardiology - both are physicians, but cardiologists have additional specialized training for heart conditions. Similarly, epileptologists have additional specialized training for epilepsy.
Consider seeing an epileptologist if you have:
- Seizures continuing despite trying 2+ anti-seizure medications
- Seizures occurring more than once per month
- Unusual seizure symptoms that are difficult to characterize
- Significant medication side effects
- Questions about whether episodes are truly seizures
- Interest in epilepsy surgery evaluation
- Seizures during pregnancy or planning pregnancy
Your regular neurologist can refer you to an epileptologist for specialized care while continuing to manage other neurological conditions.
Our doctors practice at KD Hospital, Ahmedabad, which is empanelled with most major insurance providers. KD Hospital's TPA desk handles cashless and reimbursement claims directly.
- Cashless facility available for most major insurers
- TPA desk on-site — the hospital team handles pre-authorization and paperwork
For insurance-related queries, contact KD Hospital's TPA desk.
Fellowship-trained epileptologists are relatively rare specialists in India. Gujarat has very few dedicated epileptologists with formal fellowship training in epilepsy.
Gujarat Epilepsy & Neuro Clinic is among the few centres in Gujarat with:
- Two fellowship-trained epilepsy specialists — Dr. Abhishek Gohel and Dr. Rutul Shah — both with PDF Epilepsy from Amrita Institute, Kochi
- Both trained in DM Neurology at NIMHANS, Bangalore (Dr. Shah — All India Rank 1)
- Dedicated drug-refractory epilepsy program with VEEG, SEEG, and pre-surgical evaluation
- Combined experience in video EEG monitoring, epilepsy surgery evaluation, and neuromodulation
This makes specialized epilepsy care accessible to patients across Gujarat who previously had to travel to other states.