Parents' opinions about epilepsy surgery in children with epilepsy

Hamid Nemati1, Ali A Asadi-Pooya2

  • 1Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.

Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|November 3, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Most parents are willing to consider epilepsy surgery for their children, especially if it means discontinuing medication. Parental factors and child

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Neurosurgery

Background:

  • Epilepsy affects many children, often requiring long-term management.
  • Drug-resistant epilepsy presents significant challenges for patients and families.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate parental opinions on epilepsy surgery for children.
  • To identify factors influencing parental willingness for pediatric epilepsy surgery.

Main Methods:

  • A survey was conducted among parents of children with epilepsy (ages 1-16).
  • Data collected via questionnaire from April to July 2022.
  • Inclusion criteria: 1+ year epilepsy history, current medication use.

Main Results:

  • 58.7% of 472 parents were willing to consider surgery for their child.
  • Primary motivation for surgery was to discontinue anti-epileptic drugs.
  • Parental age, sex, education, and child's polytherapy/injury history influenced willingness.

Conclusions:

  • Parental acceptance of epilepsy surgery is high when presented as safe and effective.
  • Educational programs should address patient and parental factors for drug-resistant epilepsy.
Abstract

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