THE SURGICAL TREATMENT OF INTRACTABLE CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENT EPILEPSY

Abstract
Surgical management of intractable epilepsy and a method of anesthesia allowing intraoperative electrocorticographic recordings, are described. The outcome of ablative neurosurgery in a heterogenous group of 16 childhood and adolescent epileptics is presented. This group was characterized by poorly controlled seizure disorders and interictal behavioral abnormalities. Investigations suggested that all patients had focal epileptogenic lesions. Postoperative seizure control and psychosocial adjustment were improved in 13 (81%) and 12 (75%) patients, respectively. The place for, and limitations of, antiepileptogenic surgery are discussed.