DIAGNOSIS

The objective of surgical intervention is to eradicate the abnormal electrical discharges in the brain leading to seizure disorders. Various neurosurgical techniques are employed to achieve this goal, including the removal of anomalous brain tissue, disconnecting abnormal brain areas from surrounding normal structures, and employing procedures to modulate aberrant brain function and restore normal neurological activity.

The neurosurgeons at Goutam Neuro Care collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team, including neurologists, neuropsychologists, neurophysiologists, and neuroradiologists, all possessing specialized expertise in evaluating patients with seizure disorders. A thorough evaluation and testing process is essential to pinpoint the specific brain region responsible for seizures and to assess the suitability and potential impact of surgical intervention. The center is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic technologies, including EEG, Video EEG, Brain MRI, Interictal PET Scan, Neuropsychology testing, Psychiatric evaluation, functional brain MRI, and invasive (intracranial) monitoring.

MEDICATION

Upon indications from the pre-surgical assessment that surgery could be advantageous, patients might proceed with one of the following procedures:

• Selective amygdalo-hippocampectomy – Selective removal of the medial temporal structures. This operation is offered to patients with mesial temporal sclerosis.
• Anterior temporal lobectomy – Removal of the anterior temporal lobe including the medial temporal structures.
• Extratemporal resection – Removal of epileptogenic cerebral cortex outside the temporal lobe.
• Functional hemispherectomy – Functional disconnection of the hemisphere in patients with severe unilateral damage and intractable epilepsy.
• Corpus Callosotomy – Sectioning of the corpus callosum to disconnect the two brain hemispheres and prevent the spread of seizures from one half of the brain to the other
• Multiple subpial transection – Transection of the cortex without removal when the epileptogenic zone is in a functionally important area, such as the motor and language areas.

EMERGENCY CARE

Epilepsy surgery, a neurosurgical procedure, carries inherent risks, and some mild discomfort may be experienced afterward. The recovery duration is individualized, and the length of hospital stay depends on the specific procedure undertaken. Typically, individuals can return to normal activities within a range of 2 to 8 weeks following the operation.