Epilepsy: Clinical Review and Surgical Options

Epilepsy is the fourth leading neurologic disorder in the United States and affects the quality of life of approximately 2.9 million Americans. Despite modern progress in medicine and technology, the disease may prove to be drug resistant, a condition that serves as a primary indication to consider invasive treatment modalities. Current evidence supports the efficacy of early surgical intervention for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, although this approach continues to be underused. The positive outcomes of epilepsy surgery are a result of multidisciplinary efforts, and perioperative nurses play a vital role in the continuum of care for this patient population. In the effort to optimize nursing care for patients with epilepsy, this article provides a clinical review of epilepsy as a neurologic disorder and specifically focuses on surgical interventions and perioperative nursing considerations.