Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes repeated, unprovoked seizures due to abnormal brain activity. While many people control seizures with medication, some continue to have seizures despite trying different treatments. For these patients, epilepsy surgery can be a helpful option to improve their quality of life. At Dr. Vanchilingam Hospital, we provide comprehensive care for epilepsy patients, including advanced surgical options. This blog explores the potential of epilepsy surgery and whether it might be the right choice for you.
What is Epilepsy Surgery?
Epilepsy surgery involves removing or altering the area of the brain where seizures originate. The goal is to eliminate or significantly reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. Surgery is considered when medication doesn’t control seizures (drug-resistant epilepsy) and when the seizure focus can be precisely identified and safely accessed.
Types of Epilepsy Surgery
Epilepsy surgery comes in several types, each tailored to the patient’s specific condition and the location of the seizure focus. The main types include:
Resective Surgery
Temporal Lobectomy:
The most common type of epilepsy surgery, involves removing part of the temporal lobe where seizures often start. It is very effective, particularly for patients with temporal lobe epilepsy.
Lesionectomy:
This surgery removes a lesion, such as a tumor or scar, that is causing seizures.
Disconnection Surgery
Corpus Callosotomy:
This procedure involves cutting the corpus callosum, a band of nerve fibers connecting the two hemispheres of the brain, to prevent the spread of seizures from one side of the brain to the other.
Multiple Subpial Transection (MST):
This technique involves making small cuts in the brain’s surface to interrupt the spread of seizure activity while preserving critical brain function.
Functional Hemispherectomy
In cases of severe epilepsy affecting one hemisphere of the brain, a functional hemispherectomy disconnects the affected hemisphere from the rest of the brain. This is often considered for children with extensive brain damage from conditions like Rasmussen’s encephalitis.
Evaluating Candidacy for Surgery
Determining whether epilepsy surgery is right for you involves a thorough evaluation by a team of specialists. At Dr. Vanchilingam Hospital, our fully trained neurologists work closely with patients to assess their suitability for surgery. If surgery is required, our skilled neurosurgeons perform the procedure.
The evaluation process typically includes:
Detailed Medical History: Reviewing the patient’s seizure history, previous treatments, and overall health.
Neuroimaging: Using advanced imaging techniques like MRI and PET scans to identify the precise location of the seizure focus.
Electroencephalogram (EEG) Monitoring: Capturing and analyzing brain wave patterns during seizures to pinpoint the seizure origin.
Neuropsychological Testing: Assessing cognitive function to understand the potential impact of surgery on brain function.
Wada Test: A procedure that temporarily puts one side of the brain to sleep to test language and memory functions.
Benefits and Risks of Epilepsy Surgery
Benefits:
Seizure Control: Many patients experience a significant reduction or complete cessation of seizures after surgery.
Improved Quality of Life: Reduced seizure frequency can lead to greater independence, improved cognitive function, and enhanced overall well-being.
Reduction in Medication: Successful surgery can decrease the need for anti-seizure medications and their associated side effects.
Risks:
Surgical Complications: As with any surgery, there are risks such as infection, bleeding, or adverse reactions to anesthesia.
Neurological Impact: Depending on the surgery location, there may be risks of affecting critical brain functions like speech, memory, or motor skills.
Services Offered at Dr. Vanchilingam Hospital
At Dr. Vanchilingam Hospital, we provide a comprehensive range of services to support epilepsy patients before, during, and after surgery:
Counseling: Epilepsy is a chronic condition that impacts patients and their families emotionally and financially. Our hospital offers effective counseling services to help manage these challenges. Our qualified and experienced counselors provide reassurance and support, helping patients and families understand that epilepsy is a manageable disorder, not a life sentence.
Comprehensive Evaluation and Diagnosis: Our neurologists conduct thorough evaluations to determine the best course of action for each patient. Using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, we identify the seizure focus and assess the potential benefits and risks of surgery.
Advanced Surgical Techniques: We employ the latest surgical techniques to ensure the highest standards of care. Our neurosurgeons are skilled in performing various epilepsy surgeries, with a focus on minimizing risks and maximizing outcomes.
Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: Recovery from epilepsy surgery involves more than just the operation. We provide extensive post-surgical rehabilitation, including physical therapy, cognitive therapy, and ongoing neurological care to ensure patients achieve the best possible recovery.
Epilepsy surgery offers hope for many individuals struggling with drug-resistant epilepsy. By understanding the different surgical options and undergoing a thorough evaluation, patients can make informed decisions about their treatment. At Dr. Vanchilingam Advanced Neurology and Stroke Hospital, recognized as the best neuro hospital in Chennai, we are committed to providing exceptional care, helping patients achieve seizure control and improve their quality of life. If you or a loved one is considering epilepsy surgery, we are here to guide you through every step of the journey, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
Blog Reviewed by: Dr. Somesh Vanchilingam
Mail Us: info.vanchilingamhospital@gmail.com
