In this Article

• 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
• Surgical Options for Epilepsy Index

How Effective Is Epilepsy Surgery?

The effectiveness varies, depending on the type of surgery. Some people are completely free of seizures after surgery. For others, the frequency of seizures is significantly reduced. In some cases, surgery may not be successful and a second surgery (re-operation) may be recommended. Most patients will need to continue taking anti-seizure medication for a year or more after surgery. Once seizure control is established, medications may be reduced or eliminated.

What Are the Risks of Epilepsy Surgery?

• Risks associated with surgery: These include infection and bleeding, as well as the risk of an allergic reaction to the anesthesia.
• Risk of neurological deficits: Surgery can worsen existing problems or create new problems with the way the brain functions. Neurological deficits include loss of functions such as vision, speech, memory or movement.
• Risk of surgery failure: Even with careful pre-surgical evaluation, surgery may not eliminate or reduce seizures.

Before undergoing surgery your doctor will discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.

Re-operations

In some cases, isolated seizures may occur immediately following surgery. This does not necessarily mean the operation was not successful. Occasionally, a second operation, or re-operation, is needed to remove brain tissue that is later found to be a source of seizure activity.

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.

Read more Surgical Options for Epilepsy related articles »

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