In this Article

• 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?
• Temporal Lobe Resection Index

What Happens After Surgery?
The patient generally stays in the hospital for 2 to 4 days. Most people having temporal lobe resection surgery will be able to return to their normal activities, including work or school, in 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. The hair over the incision will grow back and hide the surgical scar. Most patients will need to continue taking anti-seizure medication for two or more years after surgery. Once seizure control is established, medications may be reduced or eliminated.

How Effective Is a Temporal Lobe Resection?
Temporal lobe resection is successful in eliminating or significantly reducing seizures in 70% to 90% of patients.

What Are the Side Effects of Temporal Lobe Resection?
The following symptoms may occur after surgery, although they generally go away on their own:

• Scalp numbness
• Nausea
• Feeling tired or depressed
• Headaches
• Difficulty speaking, remembering or finding words
• Continued auras (feelings that signal the start of a seizure)

What Are the Risks of a Temporal Lobe Resection?
The complication rate with temporal lobe resection is low, but there are some risks, including:

• Risks associated with surgery, including infection, bleeding and allergic reaction to anesthesia
• Failure to relieve seizures
• Changes in personality or mental abilities
• Pain

Reviewed by The Cleveland Clinic Neuroscience Center.
Edited by Charlotte E. Grayson, MD, WebMD, May 2004.

Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2005

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.
• Surgical Options for Epilepsy - Epilepsy: Surgery Options For Epilepsy

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