What is Epilepsy and Epilepsy Surgery?
Epilepsy is a central nervous system (neurological) disorder characterized by recurrent seizures caused by abnormal electrical activities in the brain.
Symptoms:
- Sudden loss of consciousness
- Sudden and uncontrollable muscle contractions (seizures)
- Sensory disturbances (smell, sound, taste perception)
- Temporary confusion
Causes:
- Genetic factors
- Brain injuries
- Brain tumors
- Infections (meningitis, encephalitis)
- Brain damage during birth
Diagnosis:
- EEG (Electroencephalography)
- MRI and CT scans
- Blood tests
Treatment:
- Antiepileptic drugs
- Ketogenic diet
- Epilepsy surgery
- Vagus nerve stimulation
Lifestyle Recommendations:
- Regular sleep
- Stress management
- Regular use of medication
- Avoiding seizure triggers (excessive alcohol, light flashes)
Epilepsy Surgery Epilepsy surgery is a surgical intervention performed to treat epilepsy seizures that cannot be controlled with medication. The goal is to reduce or completely stop the frequency and severity of seizures.
When is it Applied?
- When seizures cannot be controlled despite medication
- When seizures are determined to originate from a specific area of the brain
- When the potential benefits of surgery outweigh its risks
Types of Epilepsy Surgery:
- Resective Surgery: Removal of the brain region where epileptic activity begins.
- Laser Ablation: Burning epileptic tissues with a laser.
- Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): Reducing seizures with a device placed on the vagus nerve.
- Callosotomy: Severing connections between brain hemispheres.
Surgical Process:
- Evaluation and Diagnosis: Brain imaging (MRI, PET), EEG, and neuropsychological tests.
- Preparation: Detailed preliminary preparation and planning.
- Surgery: The determined surgical method is applied.
- Recovery: Observation in the hospital and then recovery at home.
Risks and Side Effects:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Impairment in neurological functions
- Cognitive changes such as memory and speech
Success Rates: Epilepsy surgery provides a significant reduction in seizures in 70-90% of suitable patients. The rate of achieving complete seizure control is around 50-60%.
Epilepsy surgery is a promising treatment option for patients whose quality of life is severely affected by seizures. However, it may not be suitable for every patient and requires a detailed evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Epilepsy surgery is generally suitable for patients with epilepsy that cannot be controlled with medications (drug-resistant epilepsy). Candidates are those whose seizures are identified to originate from or spread to a specific region of the brain. Comprehensive neurological examination, EEG monitoring, MRI, and other imaging tests are required to evaluate suitability for surgery.
Like any surgical intervention, epilepsy surgery carries some risks. Potential risks include infection, bleeding, damage to brain tissue, and neurological deficits (e.g., memory loss, speech or motor skill difficulties). However, surgical teams use advanced technologies and meticulous precautions to minimize these risks. The risks and benefits are discussed in detail with patients and their families before the surgical intervention.
The goal of epilepsy surgery is to reduce or completely stop seizures. The success rate varies depending on the type of surgery and the patient’s condition. For instance, temporal lobectomy has a high success rate in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy, and many patients experience complete cessation of seizures. However, in some patients, while seizures may not stop entirely, their frequency and severity can significantly decrease.
