Epilepsy Surgery

 

Epilepsy surgery has been a treatment used to help control seizures for over 100 years! Improvements in modern methods have made epilepsy surgery safer and more available than ever before.

To begin, people with epilepsy need accurate and current information about treatments available to control seizures. It is important to know:

  • Recent national survey data suggests that 56% of adults taking seizure medications report having seizures in the past year.
  • Studies show that between 30 to 40% of people have drug resistant epilepsy.
  • Only 5 to 10% of people with drug resistant epilepsy will achieve complete seizure control with different or more seizure medicines.
  • Some types of epilepsy surgery may lead to seizure freedom and an improved quality of life in up to 80% of people with drug resistant epilepsy.

Epilepsy surgery can be overwhelming to consider. Many people are unsure if surgery can help them. Surgery needs to be considered as an option for people whose seizures are not controlled with medications, dietary therapy, or implanted devices.

Factsheet

Download this factsheet to learn about how epilepsy surgery works, when surgery may be recommended, and what types of surgery may help.

My Journey with Epilepsy Surgery: Bob Smith

Three Months After Gage's Surgery

More Family Stories

Learn more about the journey to epilepsy surgery and beyond.

Learn about when to consider surgery and why every person with uncontrolled seizures should discuss the possibility of epilepsy surgery with their doctor.

Every treatment a doctor recommends has an intended goal. Learn about general treatment goals, setting personal goals, and managing expectations around epilepsy surgery.

All surgery has some risk associated with it. Learn about risks related to epilepsy surgery and how they compare to the risks of uncontrolled seizures. Understand the benefits of surgical treatment, including the potential for freedom from seizures, the possibility of reducing anti-seizure medication, and an improved in quality of life.

Careful planning for surgery leads to better results. Read about the different types of testing done prior to surgery.

Advances in science and technology have led to new epilepsy surgery options. Learn about the different types of epilepsy surgery currently available.

Your epilepsy team has determined that surgery could help control your seizures. Read about what you can do to prepare yourself, and your family, in the days and weeks prior to surgery.

Recovering from epilepsy surgery is different for every person. The more you know about what to expect, the better prepared you will be. Learn about general aspects of recovering from surgery and the impact surgery may have on you and your family.

Thank You

The Epilepsy Foundation is grateful for support from Mayo Clinic and their epilepsy medical and surgical experts in helping prepare this section of epilepsy.com. The Epilepsy Foundation is solely responsible for editorial oversight and management of this content.

For more information about epilepsy surgery, or to find help linking to an epilepsy center near you, call 1-800-332-1000 (en Español 1-866-748-8008) and speak with our caring team of professionals.

Authored By:

Elaine Kiriakopoulos MD, MSc
Patty Osborne Shafer RN, MN

on Monday, October 15, 2018

Reviewed By:

Mohamad Koubeissi MD

on Monday, October 15, 2018

Resources

Epilepsy Centers

Epilepsy centers provide you with a team of specialists to help you diagnose your epilepsy and explore treatment options.

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Epilepsy Medication

Find in-depth information on anti-seizure medications so you know what to ask your doctor.

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Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline

Call our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline and talk with an epilepsy information specialist or submit a question online.

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Tools & Resources

Get information, tips, and more to help you manage your epilepsy.

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Find an Epilepsy Specialist

Ready for help? Find an Epilepsy specialist who can help guide you through your epilepsy journey.