Epilepsy: Surgical Options For Epilepsy

• What is epilepsy surgery?
• Who is a candidate for epilepsy surgery?
• What surgical options are available?
• How effective is epilepsy surgery?
• What are the risks of epilepsy surgery?
• Re-operations

What Is Epilepsy Surgery?

Most people with epilepsy can control their seizures with medication . However, about 30% of people with epilepsy are not able to effectively control their seizures this way. In some cases, surgery may be an option to help reduce the frequency of seizures.

Epilepsy surgery is an operation on the brain to control seizures and improve the person's quality of life. There are two main types of epilepsy surgery:

• Surgery to remove the area of the brain producing seizures
• Surgery to interrupt the nerve pathways through which seizure impulses spread within the brain

Surgery is considered only if the area of the brain where the seizures start, called the seizure focus, can be clearly identified, and if the area to be removed is not responsible for any critical functions, such as language, sensation and movement. Extensive evaluation and testing are necessary to determine if surgery is appropriate.

Who Is a Candidate for Epilepsy Surgery?

Surgery may be an option for people with epilepsy whose seizures are disabling and/or are not controlled by medication, or when the side effects of medication are severe and greatly affect the person's quality of life. Patients with other serious medical problems, such as cancer or heart disease, usually are not considered for epilepsy surgery.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Questions To Ask Before Surgery - Surgery questions to ask prior to having a procedure are important. Your surgeon should be available to answer your surgery questions prior to the procedure.
• Seizure (Epilepsy) - Learn about epilepsy, or seizure disorder. Causes include head injury, trauma, prenatal injury, poisoning, medications, stroke, heart attacks, alcoholism, infection, and more. Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment information is included in the information.
• Epilepsy Treatment - Information on Epilepsy treatment includes how epilepsy is treated, drug therapy, side effects, and surgery.

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