Success rates for epilepsy surgery are constantly improving, and advances in preoperative assessments are largely responsible. Proper patient selection and a thorough presurgical workup are the cornerstones of surgical success.

If a review of the person's experiences with seizure medicines shows that adequate tests of at least a few different medications have not succeeded in controlling the seizures, then the person may be referred to a specialist for a preoperative (or presurgical) assessment.

The preoperative assessment has two general objectives:

• To maximize seizure control after surgery
• To minimize disruption of normal brain functioning.

The number and type of tests that make up the preoperative assessment will depend on the type of surgery being considered. General objectives of the tests include:

• Assessing the person's current status
• Determining the exact location of seizure activity
• Evaluating the surrounding areas of the brain to determine what kinds of problems the patient might experience after surgery.

Topic Editor: Howard L. Weiner, M.D.
Last Reviewed:3/8/04