During epilepsy surgery an area of the brain that is involved in seizures is stimulated
, resected or disconnected. The goal of the neurosurgical procedure is to eliminate seizures, but is also measured as a success if seizure burden is significantly reduced.
Epilepsy is defined by the presence of frequent seizures. It's a common and chronic neurological disorder. Some people refer to the seizure as a fit. But when the seizure is technically defined it is referred to as excessive, abnormal synchonous neuronal activity in the individual's brain.
Seizures can look different depending upon the case at hand. Sometimes they appear as out of control physical movements; uncontrollable fits. Other seizures appear as a general lack of awareness; quite brief. Sometimes a seizure can appear as a sudden presentation of psychic symptoms like deja vu. There are many types of seizure. But the frequent and uncontrolled presentation of seizures is termed epilepsy. While epileptics have frequent seizures they aren't the only ones who experience seizures.
Most of the "single episode seizures" are appropriately managed by an individual's primary care physician or emergency general practitioners. But the investigation and ongoing management of consistent seizures or epilepsy is typically handled by a specialist; a neurologist. Particularly difficult cases of epilepsy are often referred to an epileptologist which is a neurologist with a specialty in epilepsy.
About Epilepsy Surgery:
The condition is not rare. In industrialized countries approx. .4% of the population have epilepsy. Of those who have epilepsy about 60% suffer from focal epilepsy. In some instances anticonvulsive drugs can be prescribed and can effectively manage the condition. But 15 to 20% of epileptics cannot control their seizures with drugs. These individuals are candidates for epilepsy surgery.
Recovery from Epilepsy Surgery:
Pharmaceuticals are the first option for controlling epilepsy. But when this is not possible epilepsy surgery is an appropriate option. Recovery time from epilepsy surgery varies depending upon the general health of the patient and the specific aspects of the surgery.