Surgery to Treat Epilepsy
Surgical resection of epileptogenic areas of the brain in patients with partial seizures sometimes is considered when seizure activity fails to respond to even the most aggressive medical management. Patients considered for these procedures are those with intractable seizures, even when given high levels of anticonvulsant drugs. Video-EEG monitoring on a long-term basis is used to determine where in the brain the seizures occur.
In some patients, placing electrodes beneath the scalp may help to define epileptogenic areas of the brain. Specialized centers throughout the country have multidisciplinary teams to aid in the evaluation of potential candidates for these procedures.
