Epilepsy Surgery Turkey
Epilepsy surgery Turkey is a procedure performed to control seizures in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. This disease, caused by paroxysmal malfunctions in neurons in the brain.
The brain has an extremely complex network of neurons. Neurons communicate with each other and the rest of the body through nerve transmissions, allowing essential bodily functions like thinking, movement, speaking, and sensory experiences to occur. In some individuals, brain cells discharge due to excessive electrical activity, causing seizures.
Epilepsy is characterized by this issue, often arising from congenital anomalies. Normally, epilepsy can be controlled with medication, but when medication is insufficient, surgical interventions can be used to treat it. In this article, we will answer questions such as “How is epilepsy surgery performed?”, “What are the risks of epilepsy surgery?”, “What are the advantages of epilepsy surgery?”, and “Do seizures stop after epilepsy surgery?”. For more detailed information on epilepsy surgery in Turkey, the risks, and the recovery process after surgery, continue reading.
What is Epilepsy Surgery?
Epilepsy surgery is a procedure that prevents seizures, which cannot be controlled with medication, by surgically removing the focus in the brain that causes these seizures. Epilepsy is a relatively common condition, characterized by seizures that cause uncontrolled muscle contractions, loss of consciousness, teeth clenching, and foaming at the mouth.
Seizure triggers are frequent in daily life, so many individuals with epilepsy need regular medication to avoid seizures. However, in some cases, epilepsy medication is insufficient in preventing seizures. In such cases, a surgical intervention known as epilepsy surgery can be performed to remove the brain tissue that causes epileptic attacks due to overload.
Why is Epilepsy Surgery Performed?
Epilepsy surgery is performed to completely stop or significantly reduce the frequency of seizures that cannot be controlled with medication. Uncontrolled epilepsy seizures can lead to dangerous situations when the individual is not in a secure and controlled environment. Therefore, in cases of epilepsy that cannot be managed with medication, surgical options such as epilepsy surgery are needed to prevent potential accidents and other hazardous situations.
What Are the Advantages of Epilepsy Surgery?
The advantages of epilepsy surgery include:
- By removing the focus in the brain causing seizures, seizures are completely stopped or their frequency is significantly reduced.
- If there are no special conditions, there is no need for ongoing medication use.
- After a successful operation, patients may feel safer and more independent in their daily lives. They can continue their activities without worrying about the likelihood of seizures.
- The elimination or reduction of medication use leads to the disappearance or reduction of side effects caused by the drugs.
These are some of the benefits and advantages of epilepsy surgery.
How Long Does Epilepsy Surgery Take?
Epilepsy surgery generally lasts 2-4 hours. However, the duration can vary depending on the location of the brain focus causing the epilepsy and the details of the surgery. More complex surgeries may take up to 6 hours.
How is Epilepsy Surgery Performed?
Epilepsy surgery can be categorized into three main approaches. The first is resective surgery, which involves removing the focus in the brain responsible for epileptic seizures. A detailed brain map is created, and the focus causing the seizures is removed without damaging the surrounding healthy tissue.
Another approach in epilepsy surgery is functional or palliative surgery. This operation involves limiting the connection between the focus and the pathways through which the seizures spread. This method reduces the frequency of seizures and provides some relief for the patient.
The final approach is deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery. In this procedure, a device that detects the onset of seizures and sends signals to the brain to prevent them is implanted. For more detailed information, you can check our article on Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery.
What Are the Risks of Epilepsy Surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, epilepsy surgery carries some risks. While advancements in technology and medicine have significantly reduced these risks, patients should be informed about them before undergoing surgery. Epilepsy surgery can cause temporary or permanent issues such as memory problems, speech difficulties, cognitive changes, and motor skill impairments.
What is the Recovery Process After Epilepsy Surgery?
After epilepsy surgery, the patient is typically hospitalized for a few days, depending on their overall health, the success of the operation, and the type of surgery performed. In the first few weeks, the patient may experience mild headaches and fatigue. These symptoms are expected to decrease and disappear within 4-6 weeks, allowing the patient to gradually return to their daily activities.
Do Seizures Stop After Epilepsy Surgery?
For many patients, seizures completely stop after epilepsy surgery. This success rate varies depending on the type of surgery performed. In some cases, the frequency of seizures and the need for medication may decrease. However, medication may still be necessary in some cases.
Do Patients Continue to Take Medication After Epilepsy Surgery?
The need for medication after epilepsy surgery varies from patient to patient. In patients who experience complete seizure cessation, medications may be gradually reduced and eventually discontinued under the guidance of a doctor. In cases where the frequency of seizures decreases but they do not completely stop, medication may continue at lower doses.
Epilepsy Surgery Cost in Turkey 2025
The prices for epilepsy surgery in Turkey may vary depending on the details of the surgery and other related factors.
