Seizures After Brain Tumor Surgery
Epilepsy News From: Wednesday, October 29, 2025
This post includes quotes and anecdotal information from the epilepsy community that are sourced from an archived forum. The content in this post may not apply to everyone. Experiences with epilepsy and seizures vary greatly on an individual basis. The information shared in this post should not be substituted for medical advice. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any non-urgent medical questions. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911.
Going through brain surgery to remove a tumor is a huge step filled with courage, hope, and often relief. But for some people, the journey doesn’t end there. Seizures may appear for the first time after surgery or continue even after the tumor is gone, which can be discouraging, confusing, and even frightening. If you are facing seizures after surgery, know that you are not alone.
Stay safe by learning seizure first aid.
Community Voices: Seizures After Surgery
It's entirely normal to feel a mix of emotions when facing the possibility of seizures after brain surgery. Many people in online support communities share similar experiences.
"As the swelling goes down the seizures may lessen.”
“The surgery did get a hold over my seizures around 6 months after…”
“They say it could settle down… since the brain is still healing.”
“…I began tapering my medication… an amazing feat, really!”
Why Seizures Happen After Tumor Surgery
1. The Tumor Itself Can Trigger Seizures
Slow-growing benign tumors—like DNETs and gangliogliomas—often cause seizures. These attacks typically start where the tumor is located, most commonly in the temporal or frontal lobes. Tumors may also press on nearby brain tissue or release substances that make neurons fire in unbalanced ways.
2. Seizures May Continue After Surgery
Even when a tumor is removed, seizures don’t always stop. The neighboring brain tissue (called the “peritumoral” area) can also generate seizures. In a study, early seizures within seven days of surgery occurred in about 3.8% of patients, delayed seizures (within 60 days) in about 3.3%, and new-onset epilepsy in about 4.9%. Preventive anti-seizure medications didn’t always stop these early seizures.
3. Medication and Mapping Strategies
Doctors often start with anti-seizure (previously called anti-epileptic) medications. If two medications don’t work, surgery might be an option. But deciding exactly what to remove requires detailed mapping of brain activity. Techniques like intracranial EEG, stereo-EEG, or even awake surgery help with precise treatment planning.
4. Encouraging Outcomes
For many people, removing the lesion, especially small benign tumors, leads to seizure freedom in about 50% to 90% of cases. Achieving a seizure-free life is possible for many.
Steps That May Help
| What You Can Do | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Talk with your medical team (especially neurologists or epileptologists) | They can review options, adjust meds, or consider further testing. |
| Ask about advanced testing or surgery | EEG mapping or surgery might offer better seizure control. |
| Stay connected with support groups | Hearing others’ experiences can offer comfort and insight. |
| Prioritize safety | Ask about seizure first aid, driving, and daily precautions. |
| Take care of yourself | Money worries, fatigue, and emotional stress are common—self-care matters. Eating a healthy diet, getting quality sleep, and reducing stress can make a difference. |
Connect with your local support group.
Getting Help for Seizures
Facing seizures after brain surgery is tough, mentally, physically, and emotionally. But many people have found hope, connection, and healing.
If surgery didn’t stop the seizures, remember that medications, monitoring, or additional therapy can still help. Talk to your care team, ask questions, share your concerns, and explore your options.
With the right support, you can work toward feeling safer, more informed, and hopeful again.