Towards a comprehensive neuropsychological service in the United Kingdom for adult patients being considered for epilepsy surgery.
We report the findings of two one-day meetings concerned with the current practice of clinical neuropsychologists involved in epilepsy surgery in Britain. Nine centres participated in the survey, the aim of which was to examine the strengths and current weaknesses in the services provided nationally and move toward further development. Each centre was asked to provide information via a questionnaire on three definitive areas: patient and family expectations and psychological health; neuropsychological protocol pre- and post-surgery; the intra-carotid sodium amytal protocol. Results of the survey revealed diverse practices across the three areas. Implications and recommendations for a uniformed approach have been made and a standard approach to assessing outcome is being further investigated by the epilepsy surgery group. However, the authors argue that a review of the whole of neuropsychological services for epilepsy and surgery is required.
Anderson
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Department of Clinical Psychology, Clifton Hospital, York, UK.
Baker
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GA
D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003191:Comprehensive Health Care; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010348:Patient Care Team