Community Forum Archive
The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.
Considering Surgery
Mon, 01/17/2005 - 11:30Topic: Surgery and Devices
My 15 year old son's neurologists want to send him to an epilepsy clinic (UCLA) to evaluate him as a candidate for surgery. Right now I am very against him having any surgery and so I am not in favor of this evaluation. Is there any benefit for having the evaluation for surgery even if you have no intention of ever having the operation. Here's some background. My son has been diagnosed with left temporal lobe, partial complex seizures. He's currently on Trilepal and Keppra. He's only tried two other meds. Right now he's developed a pattern to where he will go seizure free for 2 to 3 weeks. Then in about 3 days, he'll have several seizures. The worst has been 4 in one day. Then will go seizure free for a couple more weeks. He started this pattern since he's been on the Keppra last May.
Comments
RE: RE: RE: RE: RE: Considering Surgery
Submitted by aw14187 on Mon, 2005-01-17 - 11:30
I believe Dr Shields is the head of Pediatric Neurology there. The doctor we saw told me that after the testing all the doctors get together and discuss the case before I get the final recommendations. I will ask but I took that the mean Dr Shields will also be reviewing the case. Thanks.
RE: RE: Considering Surgery
Submitted by sherrymc on Mon, 2005-03-07 - 08:28
Hi, we are getting ready to take our 13 year old for left temporal lobe surgery for her seizures. She is a patient at Duke University. Can you give me anymore details about the surgery. This week they are putting strips on the brain for monitoring, then in May we will have a grid and the actual resection. Your email about your sons surgery was so encouraging. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
RE: RE: RE: RE: Considering Surgery
Submitted by sclarke on Sun, 2005-01-16 - 09:35
Try to see Dr. Don Shields at UCLA. He is one of finest epileptologists in the world! He is trustworthy and will give you the best information and you will be able then to make an informed decision. No harm in getting more information!