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The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.
The essence of a surgery
Fri, 08/16/2019 - 07:51Topic: Surgery and Devices
Hello all,
I am Ronnie, from India. Have been seizure free since last 10 years but with medications twice a day. I read success stories of people who had surgery and got well. Is surgery very necessary?
Comments
Hi Livestrong_5aa285b245f85,
Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 2019-08-19 - 07:52
Hi Livestrong_5aa285b245f85, Thanks so much for posting and congratulations on being seizure free for over 10 years,that’s wonderful news! There are several different types of surgery that are available to treat people still having seizures after trying medications, diet, or other therapies and if their seizures are uncontrolled. Your epilepsy team will discuss what options are possible for you and will help guide you through the proper evaluation and testing, prior to making a decision about surgery. To learn more about epilepsy surgery and questions to review with your healthcare team, please visit: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/surgery/who-can-surgery-help https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/surgery/types-epilepsy-surgery Additionally you can always contact our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-332-1000 contactus@efa.org, where a trained information specialist can connect you to resources, provide referrals and additional support.epilepsy.com/helpline
No surgery is not necessary
Submitted by birdman on Fri, 2019-08-16 - 20:39
No surgery is not necessary for about 70% of people with epilepsy. But for some 30% of us medications do not work. Doctors call our seizures "refractory". If medications are working for you doctors will not do surgery. At least here in America doctors will first test a patient out to be sure medications do not work before they consider doing surgery.