Should we reconsider epilepsy surgery? The motivation of patients once rejected

Seizure. 2008 Jun;17(4):374-7. doi: 10.1016/j.seizure.2007.10.006. Epub 2007 Dec 4.

Abstract

The pre-surgical work-up of patients with medically refractory epilepsy changes with the availability of new diagnostic procedures. New diagnostic investigations may also open up prospects for patients rejected in the past. A cohort of 71 Dutch patients rejected for epilepsy surgery 0.5-5 years earlier were approached to evaluate their willingness to undergo novel techniques. 64 (90%) responded to a questionnaire evaluating social and medical status, quality of life (QoL) and motivation to be reconsidered for epilepsy surgery. Four patients (6%) did not have seizures during the last 6 months. 56 patients (88%) were highly motivated to undergo new diagnostic procedures. Inability to localize the seizure focus had been the reason for rejection in 70% of these. We conclude that most patients once rejected for epilepsy surgery would like to benefit from novel techniques.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude
  • Cost of Illness
  • Databases, Factual
  • Epilepsy / diagnosis*
  • Epilepsy / psychology
  • Epilepsy / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Motivation
  • Netherlands / epidemiology
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / statistics & numerical data*
  • Patient Selection*
  • Patients / psychology
  • Quality of Life
  • Referral and Consultation
  • Seizures / epidemiology