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.

Has anyone had brain surgery due to epilepsy?

Thu, 01/06/2011 - 11:28

May have brain surgery...Need advice!!!!

This is the first time I have ever used this website, so please forgive me if I miss something.  So, here's my story...I am 31 years old.  I was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2004.  I have had a few grand mal seizures (around 6 or 7), but I have a lot of petit mal seizures (complex partial) - over 60 in 2010.  This has greatly affected my life.  I totaled my car in 2010 because I had a seizure while driving.  Thank God no one was hurt, including myself.  Needless to say, I cannot drive right now.  I also has several seizures at work, which put a stress on things.  I have tried many medicines (not sure of spelling), including, Lamictal, Keppra, Carbatrol, and others.  I have tried name brand and generic.  My seizures have not gotten better.  My doc is now recommending brain surgery, as a lesion has been found in my front temporal lobe.  It is currently not a tumor, but could turn into one.  I have not taken the WADA yet, but it will be scheduled soon.  I would love to speak with anyone who has had brain surgery and the results he/she has had.  Thanks!

Comments

Re: Has anyone had brain surgery due to epilepsy?

Submitted by wallybug on Tue, 2011-01-11 - 16:04
my daughter just had the RTL for a lesion a few weeks ago.  It was not a hard decision because the meds were not working and she couldnt drive and her grades were dropping as a result of the drugs.  As she is right handed, and the lesion was on the right side, surprisingly, they did not perform a WADA test, which I was expecting that she had to have.  A google search showed that some centers are no longer doing the test.  You might ask about it.  Her outcome so far has been great and her prognosis is excellent.  Her only complaints are some headaches and fatigue.

Re: Has anyone had brain surgery due to epilepsy?

Submitted by peytonwelch on Wed, 2011-01-12 - 17:22

Thanks so much for the email!If you don't mind me asking, how old is your daughter - or perhaps i should just ask if she is in high school, college, etc.  I am 31 (will be 32 in May) and my life has been affected in many ways due to my seizures.  Like your daughter, I cannot drive (had a seizure in April 2010 while driving and totaled my car.  Thank God no one was hurt, including myself), my memory is getting worse and my wife says I am simply not the same person I used to be.  Not in a mean sense, but in a true sense.  Also, if you don't mind me asking, what meds was (is) she taking?  How has the healing process been? What has been the most difficult part?  Any information is greatly appreciated!  I'm suprised to hear that the Wada test is no longer being performed in some centers.  Being that mine is scheduled for tomorrow, I'll ask for sure why this is the case.  Thanks again!  Peyton

Thanks so much for the email!If you don't mind me asking, how old is your daughter - or perhaps i should just ask if she is in high school, college, etc.  I am 31 (will be 32 in May) and my life has been affected in many ways due to my seizures.  Like your daughter, I cannot drive (had a seizure in April 2010 while driving and totaled my car.  Thank God no one was hurt, including myself), my memory is getting worse and my wife says I am simply not the same person I used to be.  Not in a mean sense, but in a true sense.  Also, if you don't mind me asking, what meds was (is) she taking?  How has the healing process been? What has been the most difficult part?  Any information is greatly appreciated!  I'm suprised to hear that the Wada test is no longer being performed in some centers.  Being that mine is scheduled for tomorrow, I'll ask for sure why this is the case.  Thanks again!  Peyton

Re: Has anyone had brain surgery due to epilepsy?

Submitted by wallybug on Wed, 2011-01-12 - 20:19
She is 19 and is on three meds. None of them ever have given her any seizure freedom for more than a week or so. She was discharged from the hospital in 3 days. Main complaints were the obvious headache and swelling initially. The swelling was gone by day 6. She still has occasional headaches now, but she takes tylenol for that. She still tires easily but its only been a month. It was a scary ordeal but I'm amazed at her remarkable recovery. We were warned about the jaw hurting afterwards so she ate a lot of soft food for the first 2 weeks. I was sure to select a hospital that had a busy epilepsy program that did a lot of resections. Her prognosis continues to be excellent as her doctors give her >80% chance of remaining seizure free. The most difficult part was seeing my child in pain.

Sign Up for Emails

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