Emergency ()

What is Epilepsy Surgery? Who can have Epilepsy Surgery?

What is Epilepsy Surgery? Who can have Epilepsy Surgery?
in Neurology

Apr 19, 2022

What Is Epilepsy Surgery?

Epilepsy surgery is a procedure that removes an area of your brain where your seizures originate. Epilepsy surgery works best for people who have seizures that always originate in the same place in their brains. In many cases, epilepsy surgery can reduce, and sometimes even eliminate your seizure activity. Epileptic seizures that happen repeatedly can cause broken bones or other injuries from falling during a seizure, drowning, if the seizure occurs during a bath or swimming, brain damage from prolonged seizures or sudden death which is a rare complicating of epilepsy.

When surgery is considered for Treating Epilepsy:

  • Despite trying a number of medications some people still don’t get good seizure control. There are now other treatment options available to help manage epilepsy and seizures.
  • One of these options is surgery.
  • Sometimes epilepsy is caused by a small area of abnormal brain tissue. The abnormal tissue may be a result of some form of head injury, brain infection, or abnormal development – which can later turn into scar tissue and become the focus of seizures.
  • Many people can benefit from surgery – the goal being to stop or significantly reduce seizures without causing any neurological deficits or problems. Surgery is not usually done unless it is likely the person will gain significant benefits.
  • Seizures start in one area of the brain: Every patient’s seizures are unique. Surgery for this type of seizure has the highest rate of cure. Conversely, if the seizures come from multiple areas of the brain, or if the risk to brain function is too high, the surgical options may be more limited.
  • Epilepsy surgery may be considered when seizures are not responding to medication. In general, people with resistant partial seizures are more likely candidates for epilepsy surgery than people who have generalized seizures. If the seizures are found to arise only from a single small part of the brain then this part may be removed to control epilepsy.

However, anyone who is being considered for epilepsy surgery will have to undergo extensive investigations including EEG Video Telemetry, brain scans and special psychological tests before the surgery is performed.

Recent Blogs
The Different Types of Headaches and How to Manage Them: A Comprehensive Guide
Headaches are one of the most common health complaints worldwide, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds.
Continue Reading
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Mental Illness
Mental illness can take many forms, and it's essential to be aware of the various signs and symptoms that may indicate a person is struggling with their mental health. Contrary to popular belief, mental illness doesn't just manifest through emotional or behavioral changes; it can also have physical symptoms.
Continue Reading
Understanding the Nuances: Schizophrenia vs. Bipolar Disorder
In the realm of mental health, conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder often lead to misconceptions and confusion due to overlapping symptoms and shared features. However, a deeper understanding of their differences is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Continue Reading
Can Neurologists Treat Depression Effectively? Unraveling the Mind-Brain Connection
Depression, often considered a disorder of the mind, has long been associated with psychological treatments. However, emerging research suggests that the roots of depression might also lie in the intricate workings of the brain. In this blog, we delve into the question: Can neurologists effectively treat depression?
Continue Reading
Understanding the Differences between Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease
Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease are both neurological disorders that affect millions of people worldwide. Despite sharing some similarities in terms of symptoms and impact on daily life, they are distinct conditions with unique characteristics.
Continue Reading
Understanding and Addressing Focal Neurological Deficits
Focal neurological deficits refer to specific, localized impairments in neurological function due to damage or dysfunction in a particular area of the brain or nervous system. These deficits can manifest in various ways, depending on the affected region, and understanding their nature is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Continue Reading
Migraines: Simple Steps to Head Off the Pain
Migraines are intense headaches that can be debilitating, affecting millions of people worldwide. The pain, often accompanied by other symptoms like nausea and sensitivity to light and sound, can significantly disrupt daily life. While there's no one-size-fits-all solution for migraines, there are simple steps individuals can take to help head off the pain and manage their symptoms effectively.
Continue Reading
View all Blogs