Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery – Mayo Clinic

Continued seizures in children with epilepsy may hinder development but treatment options exist beyond medication. Visit https://mayocl.in/2DT8wMS for more information on epilepsy care at Mayo Clinic or to request an appointment.

Dr. Lily Wong-Kisiel, neurologist who specializes in pediatric epilepsy, explains how continued seizures in children may limit learning and social development. Dr. Wong-Kisiel also describes the benefits of surgical treatment for pediatric epilepsy.

In children who have tried more than two epileptic drugs and still have seizures that are uncontrolled or not fully controlled, the likelihood of having another medication work is less than 5%.

In general there is a diverse cause for epilepsy that begins in childhood. Children with seizures that result from congenital malformations may be more suitable candidates for epilepsy surgery. These malformations may be large or subtle and difficult to detect on traditional MRI.

Surgery is not the last option for children who have seizures, particularly those who have a MRI abnormality. Surgery can have a significant positive impact on controlling seizures, as well as neurodevelopment for children. Neuroplasticity in children is greater than adults, which is why earlier surgical intervention may be favorable.