Treatment of intractable temporal lobe-limbic epilepsy (complex partial seizures) by temporal lobectomy

The results of lobectomy in carefully selected patients with intractable epilepsy now are realized as worth the risk, for complete seizure relief can be achieved in up to 50% of such cases, and moderate to good seizure control in at least an additional 25%, with reduction in the drug requirement. Along with seizure relief often comes improvement in behavior and in social and personality development and life adjustments. Temporal lobectomy for treatment of temporal lobe-limbic epilepsy therefore also has preventive value, especially if performed as early as the criteria indicate in appropriately selected patients. The resected tissue allows careful morphological studies that can enhance our knowledge of the pathogenesis of this disorder.