Epilepsy: Surgical Options for Epilepsy What Is Epilepsy
Surgery? Medication can control seizures in most people with
epilepsy, but for about 30% of patients, they aren't effective
or are intolerable. In some cases, brain surgery may be an
option. Epilepsy surgery is an operation on the brain to control
seizures and improve the person's quality of life. There are two
main types of epilepsy surgery: - Surgery to remove the area of
the brain producing seizures - Surgery to interrupt the nerve
pathways through which seizure impulses spread within the brain
Surgery is considered only if the area of the brain where the
seizures start, called the seizure focus, can be clearly
identified, and if the area to be removed is not responsible for
any critical functions, such as language, sensation and
movement. Extensive evaluation and testing are necessary to
determine if surgery is appropriate. Who Is a Candidate for
Epilepsy Surgery? Surgery may be an option for people with
epilepsy whose seizures are disabling and/or