Epilepsy surgery

Epilepsy surgery is a type of neurosurgery where an area of the brain causing seizures is either resected, disconnected or stimulated. These procedures are considered when medications are not controlling the seizures, a condition known as drug-resistant epilepsy, or when the side effects of the medications are severe.

Indications

Epilepsy surgery is considered in individuals who have seizures that are not controlled by medications, known as drug-resistant epilepsy. It is also considered when the side effects of the medications are severe. The goal of epilepsy surgery is to remove or disconnect the area of the brain that is causing the seizures.

Types of Epilepsy Surgery

There are several types of epilepsy surgery, including:

• Lobectomy or Lesionectomy: This is the most common type of epilepsy surgery, where the surgeon removes the part of the brain that is causing the seizures.

• Corpus Callosotomy: In this procedure, the surgeon cuts the corpus callosum, the band of nerve fibers connecting the two halves of the brain. This is done to prevent seizures from spreading from one side of the brain to the other.

• Hemispherectomy and Hemispherotomy: These are procedures where one cerebral hemisphere, or a portion of it, is removed or disconnected.

• Multiple Subpial Transection: In this procedure, the surgeon makes a series of cuts in the brain to prevent seizures from spreading to other parts of the brain.

• Vagus Nerve Stimulation: This involves implanting a device that sends electrical signals to the vagus nerve, which then sends signals to the brain to reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures.

Risks and Complications

Like all surgeries, epilepsy surgery carries risks, including infection, bleeding, and an allergic reaction to anesthesia. Other risks specific to epilepsy surgery can include changes in personality, mood, or cognitive abilities. There may also be problems with speech, memory, or motor skills.

Postoperative Care

After surgery, patients will need to continue taking seizure medication for at least a few years. Most people see a significant reduction in their seizures and some may eventually be able to stop taking medication.

See Also

• Epilepsy
• Seizure
• Neurosurgery
• Vagus Nerve Stimulation

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