Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery

Surgical treatment of epilepsy is usually sought when a child has seizures that cannot be controlled by standard therapy with medications (and sometimes special diets such as the ketogenic diet). It is estimated that for 10 percent of children with epilepsy, surgery may be their best chance to live seizure-free.

Before, During, and After Your Child’s Procedure

There are various surgical options for epilepsy, and our multidisciplinary epilepsy team determines the right approach for each patient individually. Our team includes specialists in:

• Psychiatry
• Epilepsy
• Neuroradiology
• Neurosurgery
• Neuropsychology
• Social Work

Evaluations for epilepsy surgery include advanced continuous video EEG, 3T MRI, fMRI, FDG-PET, SPECT, MEG, and the intra-carotid amobarbital test.

Surgical procedures include subdural grid monitoring, amygdalohippocampectomy, lesionectomy, corticotomy, lobectomy, hemispherectomy, and placement of vagal nerve stimulator.

Each year the team performs about 40 operations for children with epilepsy, and maintains a reputation for excellent surgical outcomes.

After your child’s procedure, you and your child have access to continued support through the CPEP.

Learn more about the Comprehensive Pediatric Epilepsy Program.