More Extensive Epilepsy Surgery Yields Better Seizure Control

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Children with the genetic disorder tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) often need epilepsy surgery for severe, uncontrollable seizures. A recent study, published in the October issue of the journal Neurosurgery found that seizure control improved for patients undergoing more extensive surgery. The study included data on a total of 74 children with TSC who underwent epilepsy surgery at six pediatric epilepsy centers from 2005 through 2013. Although TSC is rare, it occurs in about 1 in 10,000 children, and is one of the most common genetic causes of epilepsy. One year after epilepsy surgery, 65 percent of patients were free of seizures. By four years post-surgery, that figure had decreased to 43 percent. Initial analysis suggested a lower rate of recurrent seizures for younger patients, for those with a larger “predominant” tuber, and in resections larger than the tuber alone. However, after adjustment for other factors, age and tuber size were no longer significant predictors. In the adjusted analysis, only one factor predicted a better chance of freedom from seizures — more extensive surgery. Children who had resection of the tuber and surrounding area (lobectomy) were about three-times more likely to remain seizure free for a longer time period, compared to those undergoing resection of the tuber only. To read more about this study, click here.

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