Surgery: The Cause Of Epileptic Seizures

Epileptic seizures can strike at any time and are often disruptive to daily life. Many patients control their epilepsy with medication, but surgery is sometimes an option when medications fail. Though not considered until multiple medications and medication combinations have been exhausted, surgery to relieve epilepsy is considered earlier than it was in the past. Those whose epilepsy is caused by brain tumors or lesions are often good candidates for surgery. When the brain tissue itself is at fault, surgeons can remove the part of the brain that triggers seizure activity. This type of surgery, known as a resection, is only attempted if doctors feel they can remove the damaged part of the brain without affecting important bodily functions. Surgery is not an option for those in generally poor health or for patients whose seizure activity cannot be traced to a specific area of the brain. Resection surgery stops or reduces seizures in many people but is not without risks. Talk to your doctor and consider …show more content…
While you are under anesthesia, a small section of your skull will be removed and the surgery performed. Your skull will then be replaced and the wound closed. You will take pain medication to reduce discomfort and will need between one to three months to fully recover. Most people who have epilepsy surgery do not need physical or occupational therapy, but do comply if your doctor recommends thee activities for you. If you have a seizure soon after the procedure, your doctor may recommend undergoing a second surgery to remove more brain tissue. Once you have fully recovered, your seizures should be eliminated or greatly reduced in number and severity. Doctors have found that epilepsy resection surgeries have better outcomes when they are performed earlier rather than later. As a result. surgery is now recommended after only one or two years of uncontrolled seizure