Also, the electrical activity that triggers the seizures must be focused in a small part of the brain, rather than diffused. The region most commonly treated is the anterior temporal lobe, located just behind the eye and above the ear. At the same time, other possible reasons for the problem are ruled out, including tumors, lesions and abnormal collections of blood vessels. If more information is needed about the origin of the seizure, electrodes are placed on the surface of the brain - and sometimes within it. The operation takes from four to six hours, and sometimes longer.
Patients are awake immediately after surgery and are usually out of bed the next day.
Many go home in four to five days. Some patients are able to become independent for the first time in their lives. Others can finally work, drive and socialize without fear of having a seizure. In fact, life gets so good that virtually all of them wish they'd had the surgery earlier instead of waiting for a medication that would work. The UCI Comprehensive Epilepsy Program is the only facility of its kind in Orange County - and one of four such centers in the greater Los Angeles area.