When is Surgery Needed for Epilepsy? A Neurosurgeon’s Guide

Epilepsy affects millions worldwide, and while many patients achieve good seizure control with medications, about 30% continue having seizures despite treatment – a condition known as drug-resistant epilepsy. For these patients, surgery may offer the best chance at seizure freedom and improved quality of life.

At BM Empire Hospital, our US and Nigeria-licensed neurosurgeons specialize in advanced epilepsy evaluation and surgical treatment. Equipped with state-of-the-art operating microscopes and neuro-monitoring technology, we provide comprehensive care for complex epilepsy cases.

When Should Epilepsy Surgery Be Considered?

  1. Medication Failure
    • Seizures persist after trying 2-3 appropriately chosen anti-seizure medications at optimal doses
    • Medications cause intolerable side effects
  2. Identifiable, Localized Seizure Focus
    • Tests like MRI, EEG, and PET scans show seizures originate from one operable brain region
    • Common causes: temporal lobe sclerosis, brain tumors, or cortical dysplasia
  3. High Risk of Injury from Seizures
    • Frequent falls or loss of consciousness
    • Risk of status epilepticus (prolonged, life-threatening seizures)
  4. Progressive Neurological Damage
    • Seizures cause worsening memory, speech, or motor function

Types of Epilepsy Surgery We Offer

  1. Resective Surgery (Most Common)
    • Removes the small area of brain tissue causing seizures
    • Success rate: Up to 70-80% for temporal lobe epilepsy
  2. Laser Ablation (LITT)
    • Minimally invasive destruction of seizure focus using precise laser heat
    • Faster recovery than open surgery
  3. Corpus Callosotomy
    • Cuts connection between brain hemispheres to stop drop attacks
    • Used for severe, generalized epilepsy
  4. Neurostimulation Devices
    • Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS): Implanted pacemaker-like device
    • Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS): Detects and stops seizures

Our Advanced Epilepsy Evaluation Process

At BM Empire Hospital, we conduct thorough pre-surgical testing:
High-resolution MRI with epilepsy protocol
Long-term video-EEG monitoring in our specialized epilepsy unit
Neuropsychological testing to assess brain function
Functional MRI & WADA test (when needed)

Why Choose BM Empire Hospital for Epilepsy Surgery?

  • Expert Neurosurgical Team with international training
  • Modern Operating Theatre equipped with brain mapping technology
  • Comprehensive Neuro-Rehab including physiotherapy
  • 24/7 ICU & HDU for post-operative care
  • Affordable, World-Class Care compared to overseas options

Early surgical evaluation can be life-changing for drug-resistant epilepsy patients.

📞 Consult our neurosurgery team today:
📍 Address: 4, Amosu Street, Off Bode Thomas, Surulere, Lagos
📱 Call/WhatsApp: 09068699032
🌐 Learn more: Home

#EpilepsySurgery #SeizureFreedom #Neuroscience #BMEmpireHospital #LagosHealthcare

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