Surgical treatment of temporal lobe epilepsy

Abstract

The surgical treatment of epilepsy is a therapeutic procedure aimed at removal of the brain tissue responsible for seizures. Neurological examinations are performed to delineate the epileptic zone, which is then removed, without causing a functional deficit. In order to fulfill these goals, it is essential to localize accurately and lateralize the epileptogenic zone and the surrounding eloquent cortex. Ninety-four adult patients were included in the study of the Epilepsy Center, National Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Budapest. All patients underwent a standard anterior temporal lobectomy between 1989 and 2001, whereas their preoperative evaluation consisted of detailed history of epilepsy, interictal EEG (awake and asleep), video EEG monitoring of seizures, magnetic resonance imaging, all according to the epilepsy protocol and neuropsychological investigations. The mean follow up was 6.1 years (range: 2-17 years). Seizure outcome was assessed annually, using Engel's classification. Seventy-two percents of patients were seizure-free 1 year after surgery. The percentage of seizure-free patients two, five and ten years after the surgery was 67%, 59%, and 61%, respectively. According to cost analysis, epilepsy surgery is considered to be cost effective. However, in the long run, indirect cost benefits (employment, independent living) add even more to the cost effectiveness of this method. Although the economic aspect is of great importance, especially in countries with limited financial resources, it is often neglected both by neurologists and health authorities.