Epilepsy neurosurgery is a highly specialized discipline that requires close collaboration with the epileptology team.
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological disease that causes an abnormal discharge of nerve cells in the brain. It causes seizures with a frequency and duration that vary depending on the individual. There are many different causes.
If there is no lesion causing the seizures (tumors, abscesses, cysts, etc.), patients are treated by neurologists to stop the seizures with antiepileptic medications.
When to consider epilepsy surgery?
Despite adequate drug therapy, some people continue to suffer from epileptic seizures. A pre-surgical assessment of the epilepsy (phase II assessment) is then carried out with the close collaboration of the Neurology Division. Its purpose is to delineate the area that causes seizures by setting up electrodes in the brain. If an area is indicated, the possibility of removing it surgically is discussed.
Some epileptic seizures are caused by various neurological syndromes and diseases. Several so-called “disconnection” surgical techniques may then be offered.
LEARN MORE: The Neurosurgery Division specializes in other brain surgery procedures, including vascular neurosurgery, epilepsy, pituitary gland disorders, hydrocephalus, functional disorders, and traumatic brain injuries. The division also offers advanced techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation brain mapping.