National epilepsy surgery program: realistic goals and pragmatic solutions

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• Public Health

Background:

• Epilepsy surgery programs face significant social, economic, and medical hurdles in low- and middle-income countries (LAMIC).
• Limited access to specialized surgical care impacts a large patient population in these regions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline strategies for overcoming challenges in establishing epilepsy surgery programs in India and other LAMIC.
• To propose the development of a national epilepsy surgery program for accessible, high-quality surgical interventions.

Main Methods:

• Replicating pragmatic and validated epilepsy surgery models across the nation.
• Establishing a national support system for centers interested in developing surgical programs.

Main Results:

• Successful implementation of models can lead to the establishment of national epilepsy surgery programs.
• National support activities can facilitate program development in India and neighboring countries.

Conclusions:

• Overcoming challenges requires adopting proven models and fostering national collaboration.
• A coordinated national approach is essential for providing affordable and quality epilepsy surgery to all deserving patients.