Epilepsy surgery is a neurosurgical procedure designed to remove or alter the part of the brain responsible for seizures. It is typically considered when medications fail to control seizures (drug-resistant epilepsy). The goal is to reduce or eliminate seizures, improving the patient’s quality of life.
Shunt revisions can vary based on the cause of malfunction and the type of shunt system in place.
Removes the epileptic focus, the brain area where seizures begin.
Most common type: Temporal Lobectomy, used for temporal lobe epilepsy.
High success rate for medically intractable epilepsy.
Minimally invasive technique using a laser to destroy seizure-causing brain tissue.
Guided by MRI for precision.
Shorter recovery time than open surgery.
Cuts the corpus callosum, the connection between the brain’s two hemispheres.
Used for generalized epilepsy where seizures spread rapidly.
Does not stop seizures but reduces their severity.
Removes or disconnects one hemisphere (half of the brain).
Used in severe cases, such as Rasmussen’s encephalitis or hemimegalencephaly.
Typically performed in children, as their brains can adapt better.
Implants electrodes in specific brain areas (e.g., thalamus).
A neurostimulator delivers electrical impulses to reduce seizure activity.
Used for drug-resistant epilepsy.
Implants a device under the skin that stimulates the vagus nerve.
Helps control seizures when medications are not effective.
Does not cure epilepsy, but reduces seizure frequency.
A device detects abnormal brain activity and delivers electrical pulses to stop seizures.
Works like a pacemaker for the brain.
Suitable for patients with focal epilepsy.
Surgery is considered when epilepsy:
Although epilepsy surgery is generally safe, some risks include:
Epilepsy surgery is performed when seizures result from:
Abnormal growths causing seizure activity.
Surgery removes the tumor to stop seizures.
Head injuries may damage brain tissue, leading to seizures.
Structural abnormalities present from birth, such as cortical dysplasia.
A stroke can leave scar tissue, triggering seizures.
Some epilepsies are caused by genetic mutations.
While not all epilepsy cases can be prevented, some steps can help reduce seizure risk and avoid surgery:
Taking anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) as prescribed can control seizures in many cases.
Common triggers include:
Sleep deprivation.
Stress and anxiety.
Alcohol or drug use.
Flashing lights (for photosensitive epilepsy).
Healthy diet and exercise can support brain function.
Managing stress through yoga or meditation.
Identifying epilepsy early and starting treatment can reduce the chances of requiring surgery.
Before surgery, doctors may try non-surgical treatments, such as:
First-line treatment for epilepsy.
If two or more AEDs fail, epilepsy is considered drug-resistant.
High-fat, low-carb diet proven to reduce seizures, especially in children.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) or Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) to control seizures.
Helps patients manage stress and anxiety, which can trigger seizures.
The surgeon removes the seizure focus in the brain.
Requires a craniotomy (opening in the skull).
Success rate: 60-80% seizure freedom.
Uses a laser to destroy epileptic brain tissue.
Minimally invasive with a small incision.
Shorter recovery time.
Uses focused radiation to target the seizure area.
No incisions required.
Used for deep brain lesions causing epilepsy.
Implants a device that detects and stops seizures in real time.
Hospital Stay: 2–5 days.
Full Recovery: 4–8 weeks.
Possible Side Effects:
Significant seizure reduction or complete seizure freedom.
Improved cognitive function (if seizures were affecting memory).
Better quality of life, independence, and reduced medication dependence.
