Why a Volume on Long-Term Outcomes of Epilepsy Surgery?

Abstract

Epilepsy surgery is a recognized option in the management of adults and children with drug-resistant epilepsy. Magnetic resonance imaging has increased the number of candidates by determining focal structural brain abnormalities not previously apparent. Advances in other techniques have widened the spectrum of surgical candidates both in adults and children. In the short term, rates of seizure freedom are relatively high, but seizure recurrence can still occur in the long term. There are methodological hurdles to overcome when assessing longer-term outcome. There are also the outcomes beyond seizures – cognition, neurodevelopment, academic and vocational outcomes, and quality of life – which are of importance when determining whether a treatment is beneficial. The aim of this volume is to focus on longer-term outcomes from epilepsy surgery in both adults and children.