Chicago Metropolitan Area
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 are not controlled by medication, or when the side effects of medication are severe and greatly affect the person's quality of life. Patients with other serious medical problems, such as cancer or heart disease, usually are not considered for epilepsy surgery.
Local Search Results in Chicago
- Glucose Transporter Type 1 Deficiency SyndromeSummary Glucose transporter type 1 (Glut1) deficiency syndrome is a rare genetic metabolic disorder characterized by deficiency of a protein that is required for glucose (a simple sugar) to cross the blood-brain barrier. The most common symptom is seizures (epilepsy),which usually begin within the first few months of life. However,the symptoms and severity of Glut1 deficiency syndrome can ...WebMD Medical Reference from the National Organization of Rare Disorders
- Lennox-Gastaut SyndromeImportant It is possible that the main title of the report Lennox Gastaut Syndrome is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report. ...WebMD Medical Reference from the National Organization of Rare Disorders
- Status EpilepticusEpilepsy is a group of disorders of the central nervous system characterized by repeated convulsive (paroxysomal) electrical disturbances in the brain. The major symptoms may include loss of consciousness,convulsions,spasms,sensory confusion and disturbances in the nerves that control involuntary body functions (autonomic nervous system). Episodes of these symptoms are frequently preceded by ...WebMD Medical Reference from the National Organization of Rare Disorders
- Dupuytren's Contracture: Causes and Risk FactorsIs Dupuytren's contracture inherited from family members? What causes this condition, and what are the risk factors for Dupuytren's?WebMD Feature
- Sleep and Your Body Clock - Topic OverviewWhat is the body clock? The body's "biological clock," or 24-hour cycle ( circadian rhythm ),can be affected by light or darkness,which can make the body think it is time to sleep or wake up. The 24-hour body clock controls functions such as: Sleeping and waking. Body temperature. The balance of body fluids. Other body functions,such as when you feel hungry. How are body clock problems ...WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Other Top US Cities
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.