title: Clinical reasoning and investigations for resective surgery for medically refractory epilepsies in children.
abstract: The article presents results of a UK survey of pediatric neurologists' views regarding resective surgery for medically refractory epilepsies in children. In contrast to surveys with adult neurologists, the findings indicate that delays to surgery in the pediatric field are not likely to be due to clinicians' views. There is, however, variability in clinicians' opinions as to what constitutes medically refractory epilepsy, variability in the factors reported as necessary for surgery eligibility, and uncertainty as to how these concepts should be defined. The survey highlights the need for elucidation of the epilepsy surgery process for pediatric patients, clear communication between epilepsy surgery centers and referring neurologists, and dissemination of consensus guidelines relating to the criteria for both medically refractory epilepsy and surgery eligibility.
authors.affiliation: The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK. Lyndsey.Hall-Patch@leedsth.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Lyndsey
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hall-Patch
authors.forename: Neti
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Gayatri
authors.forename: Colin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ferrie
authors.forename: Matthew C H J
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Morrall
mesh_terms: D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003657:Decision Making; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018579:Patient Selection; D010372:Pediatrics; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology*; D011612:Psychosurgery / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D006113:United Kingdom