title: Anterior temporal lobectomy for the control of partial complex seizures: information for counseling patients.
abstract: We examined the effect of anterior temporal lobectomy on cognitive function in the treatment of intractable partial complex seizures in a sample of 142 patients. Our current results replicate previous work in this area and clearly establish the presence of differential effects on cognitive function as a consequence of the side of the operation. Learning and memory are most susceptible to impairment postoperatively, although general intellectual abilities are also affected in a small number of patients. The data are further analyzed in a manner that permits determination of the probability of cognitive alterations postoperatively for individual patients. Information is provided to assist health-care professionals in evaluating the risk-to-benefit ratio relative to cognitive abilities as they consider this treatment alternative for their patients who suffer from intractable partial complex seizures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Ivnik
authors.forename: F W
authors.initials: FW
authors.lastname: Sharbrough
authors.forename: E R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Laws
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003071:Cognition; D003376:Counseling; D004833:Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007361:Intelligence Tests; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D011612:Psychosurgery / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013702:Temporal Lobe / Q000601:surgery