Influence of epilepsy surgery on developmental outcomes in children

Kees P.J. Braun*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Epilepsy surgery is the most effective treatment option for children with refractory focal lesional epilepsy, with seizure-freedom rates exceeding 70% two years after surgery. Although numbers of procedures in children are increasing over time, epilepsy surgery remains underutilized. Particularly in young children with developmental delay, arrest, or even regression, surgery can improve cognitive outcome. Many factors determine eventual developmental abilities, of which epilepsy duration is the most important modifiable predictor. Earlier surgery is not only associated with higher seizure-freedom rates, it also improves postoperative developmental outcomes. Every child with focal lesional epilepsy should therefore be referred early, to evaluate the possibilities of epilepsy surgery.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)40-42
Number of pages3
JournalEuropean Journal of Paediatric Neurology
Volume24
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2020

Keywords

  • Children
  • Cognitive outcome
  • Development
  • Epilepsy surgery

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