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

Published on: September 20, 2024

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Epilepsy surgery for children and adolescents: evidence-based but underused

J Helen Cross1, Colin Reilly2, Eva Gutierrez Delicado3

  • 1Developmental Neurosciences Programme, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK; Department of Neurology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Research Department, Young Epilepsy, Lingfield, UK.

The Lancet. Child & Adolescent Health
|May 14, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric epilepsy surgery is a safe and effective treatment. Early surgical intervention in children with epilepsy can significantly improve seizure control and overall quality of life.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Epileptology

Background:

  • Paediatric epilepsy surgery is an established, evidence-based treatment with a low complication rate.
  • Advances in neuroimaging and diagnostics have expanded eligibility for pediatric epilepsy surgery.
  • Surgery is a standard management approach for epilepsy in children, with early intervention linked to better outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current indications and patient selection for pediatric epilepsy surgery.
  • To outline presurgical investigation principles and optimal surgical timing.
  • To examine comprehensive outcomes following pediatric epilepsy surgery.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on pediatric epilepsy surgery.
  • Analysis of indications, patient selection criteria, and diagnostic methods.
  • Evaluation of surgical outcomes, including seizure control, neurodevelopment, and quality of life.

Main Results:

  • Pediatric epilepsy surgery is underutilized despite its benefits.
  • Early surgical intervention is associated with improved outcomes.
  • Successful surgery can enhance seizure control, cognition, neurodevelopment, and quality of life for children and their families.

Conclusions:

  • Children with epilepsy should be referred for surgical evaluation early.
  • Referral to a specialized pediatric epilepsy surgery center is recommended.
  • Timely surgical intervention offers significant benefits for children with refractory epilepsy.

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