How Surgery Can Help Control Seizures

Dr.Amit Srivastava, 4 mins read

A seizure is a debilitating neurological condition in which the brain cells malfunction and fire electrical signals uncontrollably. This causes a range of symptoms or effects, like abnormal sensations, changes in behaviour and uncontrolled muscle movements.  

There are several types of seizures, causing a range of symptoms and severity. Most seizures stay up to 30 minutes. Having recurring seizures is known as epilepsy. This can affect the person’s overall well-being and day-to-day life.

Symptoms

• Incontinence
• Confusion
• Falling
• Loss of consciousness
• Sweating and nausea
• Change in mood and behaviour
• Involuntary movement of tongue or mouth
• Stiffening and loosening of the muscles or limbs
• Uncontrollable movements of the body, particularly legs and arms
• Abnormal smell all the time & same type of smell in food or other things

In more than 90% of case seizure gets controlled by one or two days, If the seizure don’t get controlled by more than 3 or more days then it becomes eminent to give a consideration for surgery.

Decision for surgery depends on type of seizure, the association of brain abnormality, its correlation with MRI brain findings, EEG Lateralisation, and SPECT study of brain, to reach an evidence-based scientific conclusion that this particular area of brain the cause of seizure and it is clinically and psychologically correlating. 

• Removing the affected part of the brain where the seizures start.
• Disconnecting the brain cell communication to stop the seizures spread to other parts of the body.
• Inserting electrode wires to record the seizure activity deep inside the brain.
• Killing the nerve cells where the seizures start using a laser.
• Implanting a device in (L) Vagus nerve that can block or disrupt seizure activity by sending electrical signals.

When is the need for surgery?

• If the medications are unable to control the problem
• Managing the side effects of seizures is difficult
• Seizures are frequent, debilitating and severe
• Diet or other therapy are not helping
• If seizures are caused by non-epileptic conditions, like a brain tumour
• If the doctor advises surgery

How well does surgery work?

Surgery is considered an effective option in many cases. The outcomes vary depending on the type of surgery performed. 

Some patients post-surgery get very satisfied results and don’t experience the problem. However, some experience it, but less often. A patient is required to take prescribed medications and periodic appointments with the doctor for better results. 

Also, Read: Know All About Brain Tumour