Temporal Lobe Resection (cont.)
What Happens Before Surgery?
Candidates for temporal lobe resection undergo an extensive pre-surgery evaluation-including seizure monitoring, electroencephalography (EEG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET). These tests help to pinpoint the seizure focus within the temporal lobe and to determine if surgery is possible.
What Happens During Surgery?
A temporal lobe resection requires exposing an area of the brain using a procedure called a craniotomy. (Crani refers to the skull and otomy means "to cut into.) After the patient is put to sleep, the surgeon makes an incision (cut) in the scalp, removes a piece of bone and pulls back a section of the dura, the tough membrane that covers the brain. This creates a "window" in which the surgeon inserts special instruments for removing the brain tissue. Surgical microscopes also are used to give the surgeon a magnified view of the area of the brain involved. The surgeon utilizes information gathered during the pre-operative evaluation-as well as during surgery-to define, or map out, the route to the correct area of the temporal lobe.
In some cases, a portion of the surgery is performed while the patient is awake, using medication to keep the person relaxed and pain-free. This is done so that the patient can help the surgeon find and avoid areas of the brain responsible for vital functions. While the patient is awake, the doctor uses special probes to stimulate different areas of the brain. At the same time, the patient is asked to count, identify pictures or perform other tasks. The surgeon can then determine the area of the brain associated with each task.
After the brain tissue is removed, the dura and bone are fixed back into place, and the scalp is closed using stitches or staples.
Next: What happens after temporal lobe resection surgery? »
- 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.
- Surgical Options for Epilepsy - Epilepsy: Surgery Options For Epilepsy
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