|
Types of Epilepsy Surgery
There are two broad categories of surgery. The first removes the part
of the brain that causes seizures and the second cuts short the nerve
channels through which seizure pulses extend through the brain.
Moreover, the type of surgery is also determined by the kind of seizures and
the region of the brain where the seizures starts. Clinically some of
the surgical procedures are as follows:
– |
Lobe resection of the cerebrum of the brain |
– |
Lesionectomy that removes isolated brain lesions |
– |
Corpus callosotomy on the corpus callosum of the brain |
– |
Functional hemispherectomy on one half of the brain |
– |
Multiple subpial transection (MST) of the brain tissues |
Complications of Epilepsy Surgery
Common complications include:
– |
Infection and bleeding |
– |
Allergic reaction to the anesthesia |
– |
Neurological problems after surgery |
– |
Surgery failure that may even require re-operations |
Recovery and Post Operative Care
Anti-seizure medication is usually prescribed for around two years after
surgery, which is reduced or stopped once seizure is controlled. It takes
about 3 to 8 weeks to get back to normal life. Driving is the only major
restriction for at least a year. If there are any neurological problems
after surgery or memory problems, speech or physical therapy is required.
Effectiveness
Though it is the last line of therapy, epilepsy surgery is generally safe
and effective, though it is dependent on the type of surgery. However,
it cannot be conducted on patients with other serious ailments like cancer
or heart diseases.
| 