Epilepsy surgery in China

Epilepsy surgery began in China from the 1950s to the 1960s, after the People's Republic of China was established (hereinafter as China). However, its rapid growth occurred in recent 10 years with the implement of reform and open policy. The growth is mainly manifested in basic and clinical aspects. As for clinical development, the qualities and quantities of epilepsy surgery have been to an increasing trend gradually. A survey undertaken by the China Association Against Epilepsy (CAAE) in June 2006 at the major six cities in different parts of the country showed a dramatic increase particularly in the years 2004 and 2006. Surgery for temporal lobe epilepsy accounts for half of the operation and it has played an important role in the treatment of the drug resistant epilepsy. With large population and vast geographical spread, it is important to further develop the service, especially for the pediatric epilepsy surgery in China, because the earlier operation for patients with real intractable epilepsy, the better outcome with seizure control and neuropsychologic recovery.