Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 7, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancing Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery in Children Through Novel Biomarkers and Enhanced Localization
09:57

Author Spotlight: Advancing Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery in Children Through Novel Biomarkers and Enhanced Localization

Published on: September 20, 2024

3.6K

Children with autism spectrum disorders and drug-resistant epilepsy can benefit from epilepsy surgery

Nadine Morrison-Levy1, Cristina Go1, Ayako Ochi1

  • 1Divison of Neurology, Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada.

Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|July 24, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) may benefit from epilepsy surgery. Younger age at surgery predicted better seizure control outcomes in this cohort.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Epileptology
  • Developmental Neuroscience

Background:

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is frequently comorbid with epilepsy.
  • Drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) in children with ASD presents unique management challenges.
  • Epilepsy surgery is a potential treatment option for severe, refractory cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate outcomes in children with ASD and DRE following epilepsy surgery.
  • To identify predictors of successful seizure control after neurosurgical intervention.
  • To assess the efficacy of different surgical approaches in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of 29 children (ages 2-18) with ASD and DRE undergoing epilepsy surgery.
  • Analysis of demographic, clinical, surgical, and neuropsychological data.
  • Seizure outcome assessed using the Engel classification, with at least 1-year follow-up.

Main Results:

  • 35% of subjects achieved a class I seizure outcome (complete seizure freedom), exclusively in the resective surgery group.
  • 66% of all subjects experienced seizure improvement (class I-III outcomes).
  • Younger age at the time of surgery was a significant predictor of better seizure outcomes (p=0.01).

Conclusions:

  • A subset of children with ASD and DRE can achieve significant seizure reduction through resective epilepsy surgery.
  • For non-candidates of resective surgery, vagal nerve stimulator (VNS) insertion can provide substantial seizure control benefits.
  • Early surgical intervention may be crucial for optimizing outcomes in this patient group.
Abstract

Keywords:
Autism spectrum disorderDrug-resistant epilepsyEpilepsyEpilepsy surgeryVagal nerve stimulator

More Related Videos

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder09:13

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Published on: April 22, 2015

17.2K
A Pipeline for 3D Multimodality Image Integration and Computer-assisted Planning in Epilepsy Surgery09:41

A Pipeline for 3D Multimodality Image Integration and Computer-assisted Planning in Epilepsy Surgery

Published on: May 20, 2016

12.7K

Related Concept Videos

Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
1.2K
Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview01:24

Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to behavior, sensation, or consciousness alterations. They can also cause transient impairment of awareness, interfering with daily activities.
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
1.4K
Drug Dosing: Infants and Children01:29

Drug Dosing: Infants and Children

Pediatric patient dosages diverge from adults due to disparities in body surface area, total body water, and extracellular fluid per kilogram of body weight. The dosing regimen considers the variations in pharmacokinetics and pharmacology across distinct age groups, encompassing preterm newborns, infants, young children, older children, and adolescents. Calculation of pediatric patient doses is predicated on determining body surface area, which exhibits a superior correlation with the child's...
309
The Electromagnetic Spectrum02:37

The Electromagnetic Spectrum

The electromagnetic spectrum consists of all the types of electromagnetic radiation arranged according to their frequency and wavelength. Each of the various colors of visible light has specific frequencies and wavelengths associated with them, and you can see that visible light makes up only a small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Because the technologies developed to work in various parts of the electromagnetic spectrum are different, for reasons of convenience and historical...
65.4K
The Electromagnetic Spectrum01:24

The Electromagnetic Spectrum

Electromagnetic waves are categorized according to their wavelengths and frequencies, giving the electromagnetic spectrum. These waves are classified as radio, infrared, ultraviolet, etc. Radio waves refer to electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging from millimeters to kilometers. Radio waves are commonly used for audio communications (i.e., radios) and typically result from an alternating current in the wires of a broadcast antenna. They cover a broad wavelength range and are used...
33.8K
Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview01:17

Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview

Lower respiratory tract disorders present challenges that often require skilled and nuanced approaches for effective management. Common ailments, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), have prompted the development of intricate treatment strategies involving bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs, each tailored to ease breathing and revitalize the lungs.
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...
1.1K