Introduction
Epilepsy is a neurological condition where abnormal electrical activity in the brain causes repeated seizures. While most patients improve with medicines, about 30% of people have drug-resistant epilepsy — meaning seizures continue despite taking medications.
For these patients, Epilepsy Surgery offers a safe and effective treatment option, helping them regain independence and improve quality of life.
What Is Epilepsy Surgery?
Epilepsy surgery involves removing or altering the small part of the brain where seizures start. It is recommended when:
- Medicines fail to control seizures.
- Seizures severely affect daily life, education, or work.
- Brain imaging and tests show a clear seizure focus.
Types of Epilepsy Surgery
- Temporal Lobectomy
- Most common type.
- Removes a small part of the temporal lobe (often the hippocampus or amygdala) where seizures begin.
- High success rates in eliminating seizures.
- Lesionectomy
- Removes brain lesions (tumors, malformations, scar tissue) that trigger seizures.
- Corpus Callosotomy
- Cuts the connection between the two brain halves to reduce spread of seizures.
- Used for severe cases with drop attacks.
- Hemispherectomy / Hemispherotomy
- Removes or disconnects one side of the brain (used in children with severe epilepsy).
- Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS) & Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)
- Implantable devices that detect and stop seizures using mild electrical stimulation.
Benefits of Epilepsy Surgery
✔️ Freedom from seizures or reduced frequency
✔️ Better memory, concentration, and mood
✔️ Improved ability to study or work
✔️ Lower medication use (fewer side effects)
✔️ Enhanced quality of life
Risks & Considerations
Like any brain surgery, epilepsy surgery carries risks such as infection, bleeding, stroke, or neurological changes (speech/vision/memory). However, in expert hands, success rates are high and risks are low.
Recovery After Surgery
- Hospital stay: 4–7 days (depending on procedure).
- Return to work/school: Usually within 4–6 weeks.
- Follow-ups: Regular EEGs and check-ups to monitor progress.
- Medicines: Some patients may reduce or stop medicines under supervision.