Surgery has been
shown to be an effective way of controlling the seizures associated with epilepsy.
A new study from a team working at Washington University School of Medicine
in St. Louis, Missouri also found that operations could improve long-term
quality of life.
Doctors assessed the records from the past 26 years and found half of the
epilepsy sufferers who have received surgery reported that they no longer were
subject to seizures, while 80 per cent believe they have an increased quality
of life post surgery.
"In cases where medical therapy fails to control seizures, epilepsy
surgery is a safe and effective treatment option," said the lead author of
the study Dr Matthew Smyth.
He also questioned why it remains an under-used form of treatment for the
condition.
According to the Brain Research Trust, the condition affects around one in
every 131 people in the UK and is responsible for 500 deaths a year.
© Adfero Ltd
Epilepsy treatment news: 10 February 2012
