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Stereo-Electro-Encephalo-Graphy (SEEG) With Robotic Assistance in the Presurgical Evaluation of Medical Refractory Epilepsy: A Technical Note
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Stereo-Electro-Encephalo-Graphy (SEEG) With Robotic Assistance in the Presurgical Evaluation of Medical Refractory Epilepsy: A Technical Note

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Identifying epilepsy surgery candidates in the outpatient clinic

Frank G Gilliam1, Brenda Albertson

  • 1Geisinger Epilepsy Program, Department of Neurology, Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA, USA. fggilliam@geisinger.edu

Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|January 29, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Epilepsy surgery can improve outcomes for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Earlier presurgical evaluation is crucial to reduce delays and improve quality of life for those with recurrent seizures.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Epileptology

Background:

  • Epilepsy is a leading cause of neurological disability.
  • Over one-third of epilepsy cases are refractory to medication.
  • Epilepsy surgery is an established treatment for refractory epilepsy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the significant delay in epilepsy surgery evaluations.
  • To advocate for earlier identification of surgical candidates.
  • To improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current guidelines for epilepsy surgery.
  • Analysis of delays in presurgical evaluation.
  • Discussion of optimal screening tools like MRI and video/EEG monitoring.

Main Results:

  • Average delay for presurgical evaluation exceeds 20 years.
  • This delay has remained stagnant over decades.
  • Cost-effective screening can identify candidates earlier.

Conclusions:

  • Earlier application of epilepsy surgery can reduce disability and mortality.
  • Optimizing MRI and video/EEG monitoring can facilitate timely evaluations.
  • Improved surgical candidate identification is a key opportunity for the neurological community.

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