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EPILEPSY SURGERY
Along with our epilepsy neurologists, we provide detailed surgical evaluation for medically refractory epilepsy. The National Institutes of Health estimated surgery may be appropriate for 10 to 20% of people with epilepsy. The patients who experience partial onset as well as complex generalized seizures are the best candidates for surgery. In some cases, patients may require open surgery for resection of the seizure-producing temporal lobe. These patients have EEG electrodes temporarily implanted and are admitted to our Epilepsy Monitoring Unit for several days. Surgical resections of the seizure focus are then performed based on the EEG monitoring. Another surgical option for epilepsy patients is Vagal Nerve Stimulation (VNS). VNS is a minimally-invasive procedure in which a small electrode is placed on the patient's vagal nerve. Repeated electrical stimulation of the vagal nerve will reduce seizure frequency in selected patients with partial epilepsy. In fact, some patients will have no postoperative seizures. During the VNS surgery an electrode is placed around the vagus nerve in the left side of the neck. The electrode is then connected to a small implanted generator. There is minimal post-operative pain and patients are discharged home the next day. |
Surgery for seizures is a treatment option that is part of the comprehensive Epilepsy Program at Beth Israel Medical Center.  |