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Call for more epilepsy surgery
Research published in today’s Lancet indicates patients with chronic epilepsy are waiting too long to be referred for surgery.
Although not all types of epilepsy can be controlled through surgery, those who might be suitable candidates are waiting up to 20 years for surgical treatment.
Epilepsy Society’s medical director and lead author of the research, Professor John Duncan, said: ‘Surgical treatment for focal epilepsy is under-utilised and patients are waiting too long, some up to 20 years, before it’s considered an option. If appropriate patients have tried two or three anti epileptic drugs and are not gaining seizure control they should be referred for consideration of surgery.’
Seizure free
The findings published in The Lancet, showed around half of patients still remain seizure free for 10 years after undergoing surgery – and that no patients experienced worsening of their seizures.
Professor Duncan said: ‘Surgery is not suitable for everyone with epilepsy – only those with ‘focal’ epilepsy where the source of the seizure can be pinpointed. But the long-term outcomes are very positive and can turn patients’ lives around. Prompt referral for diagnosis and treatment is key.’
Epilepsy affects more than half a million people in the UK, and around two to three per cent of those could be candidates for surgery.
Epilepsy Society’s pioneering research into brain imaging has contributed to a growth in the surgical treatment of epilepsy.
Professor Duncan added: ‘At £25,000, the cost of surgery may seem expensive but in the longer term there is a cost efficiency in terms of people needing less medical input, being able to work and easing the cost to society.’
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15299936 (opens in a new window)
