Epilepsy: Temporal Lobe Resection

• Introduction
• What is a temporal lobe resection?
• Who is a candidate for temporal lobe resection?
• What happens before temporal lobe resection surgery?
• What happens during temporal lobe resection surgery?
• What happens after temporal lobe resection surgery?
• How effective is temporal lobe resection?
• What are the side effects of temporal lobe resection?
• What are the risks of temporal lobe resection?

Introduction

The largest part of the brain, the cerebrum, is divided into four paired sections, called lobes-the frontal, parietal, occipital and temporal lobes. Each lobe controls a specific group of activities. The temporal lobe, located on either side of the brain just above the ear, plays an important role in hearing, language and memory. In people with temporal lobe epilepsy, the area where the seizures start - called the seizure focus - is located within the temporal lobe. This is the most common type of epilepsy in teens and adults.

What Is a Temporal Lobe Resection?
A temporal lobe resection is an operation performed on the brain to control seizures. In this procedure, brain tissue in the temporal lobe is resected, or cut away, to remove the seizure focus. The anterior (front) and mesial (deep middle) portions of the temporal lobe are the areas most often involved.

Who Is a Candidate for Temporal Lobe Resection?
Temporal lobe resection may be an option for people with epilepsy whose seizures are disabling and/or not controlled by medication, or when the side effects of medication are severe and significantly affect the person's quality of life. In addition, it must be possible to remove the brain tissue that contains the seizure focus without causing damage to areas of the brain responsible for vital functions, such as movement, sensation, language and memory.