Improving functional rehabilitation outcome following epilepsy surgery

This article reviews the literature on rehabilitation outcome following epilepsy surgery to provide perspective on the research issues in examining vocational and independent living outcome. The existing literature does not suggest dramatic independent living or employment gains as a result of this surgery. Those most likely to profit in these areas are adult seizure patients with excellent surgical outcome, freedom from pre-existing impairments (psychiatric, neuropsychological, or financial dependence on subsidy), and recent presurgical vocational activity. Recommendations are offered toward improving this outcome.