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Updated: Feb 5, 2026

Interictal High Frequency Oscillations Detected with Simultaneous Magnetoencephalography and Electroencephalography as Biomarker of Pediatric Epilepsy
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The role of surgery in refractory epilepsy secondary to polymicrogyria in the pediatric population

Ibrahim Jalloh1, Newton Cho1, Vincent D W Nga1,2

  • 1Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Surgery, The University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Epilepsia
|September 12, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Epilepsy surgery for polymicrogyria (PMG) in children can be effective. Complete resection or disconnection of PMG achieved seizure freedom in most patients, offering hope for medically refractory epilepsy.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatric Neurosurgery
  • Developmental Neuroscience

Background:

  • Polymicrogyria (PMG) is a frequent cortical malformation.
  • Many children with PMG experience drug-resistant epilepsy.
  • The effectiveness of epilepsy surgery for PMG requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of surgical resection or disconnection in controlling seizures in pediatric patients diagnosed with polymicrogyria.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective analysis was conducted on pediatric patients who underwent epilepsy surgery for PMG.
  • The study period was from 2002 to 2017 at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada.
  • Surgical procedures included resective surgery and functional hemispherectomy.

Main Results:

  • Twelve children (aged 6 months to 17.8 years) were included in the study.
  • Nine children achieved seizure freedom post-surgery.
  • Complete resection/disconnection of PMG resulted in seizure freedom for 86% of patients, compared to 60% for subtotal resections.

Conclusions:

  • Surgical intervention can lead to favorable seizure outcomes in pediatric patients with PMG.
  • Complete resection or disconnection of the affected cortical area yields the best seizure control.
  • Tailored surgical strategies, guided by clinical and imaging data, are appropriate for extensive PMG cases.
Keywords:
epilepsypediatricpolymicrogyriasurgery

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