In refractory temporal lobe epilepsy, consider surgery sooner.
Despite evidence that surgery for temporal lobe epilepsy is safe and effective, physicians continue to view it as a last resort in people who do not respond to medical therapy. A randomized study in Canada has demonstrated significantly higher rates of freedom from seizures in patients who underwent surgery rather than medical therapy. If we wait too long to rule a patient's epilepsy medically refractory, we increase the patient's risk of morbidity and death, and we miss a window of opportunity to eliminate seizures and permit the patient a full and productive life.
Lachhwani
Redeepak
R
Department of Neurology, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH 44195, USA.
Lüders
Hans
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002170:Canada; D004833:Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome