Community Forum Archive

The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.

Risk of left temporal lobe surgery

Sun, 08/23/2009 - 23:43

Topic: Surgery and Devices

I am 30 and have had epilepsy for about 7 years over that time things havent improved, they have gradually got worse. I recently went to see my neuro and i was very surprised that the first thing he mentioned was surgery. However he did say that because it is my left temporal lobe, the surgery would be too risky. He mentioned that my memory and my speech could be effected. So he said that i have to just keep persevering till i find a medication that works!! Im not sure if it is the fact that i live in New Zealand and things like that are extremely expensive and the public health system here isnt very good.

I have been reading peoples stories about the success that they have had with temporal lobe surgery and i would like to be able to think that it can work for me too.

If anybody else has been given these warnings but been able to go ahead with the surgery, it would be good to know how you did it.

Thanks

Comments

Re: Risk of left temporal lobe surgery

Submitted by leeanne on Tue, 2009-08-25 - 11:51

My son had his left hippocampus removed on May 20, 2009. He had scar tissue in the hippocampus that was causing his seizures. His WADA test was inconclusive for speech loss but the docs felt he was an excellent candidate for surgery. He is doing fantastic. He forgets a word now and then, but it doesn't bother him. The surgery recovering isn't easy. He had extreme headaches for 3 - 4 weeks and his whole head was swollen. But he felt it was all worth it if he could be seizure free. I don't know if your situation is similar to my son's (he is 28 years old), but continue to gather information and don't give up! We didn't. Good Luck!

Re: Risk of left temporal lobe surgery

Submitted by debi75 on Mon, 2013-01-28 - 01:07

Hi I went through 6 months of testing. I was told that I might have to learn to walk and talk again. I had surgery on my left temporal live. I woke up talking. I went back to work 6 wks later. If you have surgery make sure you get yourself healthy first. Eat well exercise makes alot of difference . And go in with a positive addititute. Most of all Pray and have people pray for you God is Good it's been 17 years seizures free!!!!

Re: Risk of left temporal lobe surgery

Submitted by tcameron on Wed, 2013-04-03 - 16:54

Hi Debi, I'm curious where you had your surgery. My epileptologist frightened me today because some of his patients have lost an eye while sitting and falling forward at the edge of a desk. My desk is round, but the file cabinets are sharp. A lot of things in this place have sharp edges and I have drop attacks. I thought the helmet was enough. Now I'm terrified! He claims that 1 out of 50 or 2% of the population have a stroke or other serious brain damage. I don't know what to do. The memory is in the Left temporal lobe!! Are you the exception or the rule?

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.