The idea of surgery may be frightening. But when other treatments fail to provide adequate seizure control, your doctor may recommend surgery to help improve your loved one's condition.
A corpus callosotomy is a procedure that cuts the nerve bridge connecting the two hemispheres of the brain. This bridge, known as the corpus callosum, is separated to confine epileptic discharges to one side of the brain. This reduces generalized seizures.1
Your doctor may recommend corpus callosotomy if there is:
- No single focus
- Inoperable focus
- A history of generalized seizures
- A history of atonic seizures (“drop attacks”)1
Some type of seizure activity will continue after the operation, but effects are generally less severe.
Although corpus callosotomy may be effective in reducing drop attacks, it does not usually help other seizure types. Some type of seizure activity on one or both sides of the brain will continue after the operation, but the effects are generally less severe than the repeated drop attacks or convulsions.1 Complete freedom from seizures following corpus callosotomy is rare but can occur.2
Whatever course you take, remember that you have the ability to make a difference for your child and for your family. By being informed you have already taken an important step. And if you still want to learn more—or are just in need of some inspiration—LivingwithLGS.com has a video series called Navigating the Storm that you may find helpful as well.
For more information on Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), watch Education Videos.
| References: |
| 1. |
Treatment options: surgery. Epilepsy Foundation Web site. http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/about/treatment/surgery/benefitsrisks.cfm. Accessed September 28, 2010. |
| 2. |
Glauser, TA, Morita DA, Stannard KM. Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. eMedicine Web site. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1176735-treatment. Updated April 26, 2010. Accessed September 28, 2010. |
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