Epilepsy Resective Surgery

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition that causes recurrent seizures, resulting from abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Seizures can vary in severity and type, ranging from brief lapses in attention to whole-body seizures. While most epileptic patients can control their seizures through medications known as antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), about 30-40% of patients do not respond adequately to medication alone. For these individuals, surgical treatment may be considered, especially when seizures significantly impact quality of life. 

One of the most common types of epilepsy surgery is called a resective surgery. This surgery involves removing brain tissues in the area of the brain where seizures occur. This surgery mostly occurs on one of the temporal lobes, an area crucial for processing auditory information, language, memory, and is significant for emotional responses and facial recognition. Due to the complexity of the brain structure, pre-surgical examinations are done to help examine the exact location of the seizure activity and whether that area of the brain can be successfully removed without affecting critical functions. 

Though resective surgery can greatly reduce epileptic symptoms for many patients, it also carries potential risks. Depending on the location of the brain tissue removed, individuals may experience side effects such as memory impairment, partial loss of vision, or problems with mood. These effects can vary widely depending on the individual and the area of the brain affected. Because the outcomes and risks are different for every patient, consistent and transparent communication with neurologists and neurosurgeons is essential. A thorough understanding of the surgical process, possible benefits, and potential complications can help patients and their families make informed decisions about epilepsy treatment options. For some, surgery offers a chance at seizure freedom and a greatly improved quality of life.

The recovery process will involve a period of healing and adjustment, with most people returning to normal activities within a few weeks to a couple of months. Though hospital stays are usually short, it can take months for the brain to fully heal and for the patients to get used to their post-surgical brains. Many will still need to take AEDS, but their dosage is generally lower, and they can have an enhanced well-being.

Written by Anna Zheng at Incisionary

APA References

Cleveland Clinic. (2022, March 14). Epilepsy Surgery: Types, Procedure, Risks & Results.

Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/5015-epilepsy-surgery

Epilepsy Society. (2023, December). Epilepsy Surgery | Epilepsy Society.

Epilepsysociety.org.uk. https://epilepsysociety.org.uk/about-epilepsy/treatment/epilepsy-and-brain-surgery

Epilepsy surgery - Mayo Clinic. (2025). Mayoclinic.org. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/epilepsy-surgery/about/pac-20393981#dialogId8354015

Epilepsy surgery in children. (n.d.). https://cdnintech.com/media/chapter/19695/1512345123/media/image6.png