Epilepsy surgery is a specialised procedure that aims to reduce or eliminate seizures by targeting the exact area of the brain where abnormal electrical activity begins. It is typically recommended when anti-seizure medications fail to control seizures. At Artemis Hospitals, Gurgaon, our team of highly skilled and experienced neurosurgeons, neurologists, and epileptologists work together to evaluate each case thoroughly, identify the seizure focus, and plan the safest and most effective surgical approach. With advanced diagnostic tools such as video EEG monitoring, high-resolution MRI, and neuro-navigation systems, along with a strong focus on accuracy, safety, and patient-centred care, Artemis Hospitals offers comprehensive epilepsy treatment that helps patients achieve better seizure control, improved quality of life, and long-term neurological well-being.
Understanding Epilepsy Surgery
Epilepsy surgery is a specialised neurosurgical procedure performed to control or reduce seizures that originate from a specific area of the brain. It is recommended when medicines fail to manage seizures effectively - a condition known as drug-resistant epilepsy. The goal of surgery is to either remove the part of the brain where seizures begin, disconnect the pathways that allow seizures to spread, or implant devices that help regulate abnormal electrical activity. By targeting the source of seizures through carefully planned and precise techniques, epilepsy surgery helps improve seizure control, enhances safety, and supports a better quality of life for suitable candidates.
When is Epilepsy Surgery Recommended?
At Artemis Hospitals, epilepsy surgery is advised for individuals whose seizures remain uncontrolled despite appropriate medical treatment. A thorough evaluation helps determine whether surgery is safe, beneficial, and likely to improve long-term seizure control. Here are some conditions in which epilepsy surgery may be recommended:
- Drug-resistant epilepsy, where seizures continue despite trying two or more suitable anti-seizure medicines.
- A clearly identified seizure focus, confirmed through video EEG monitoring, MRI, PET scans, or neuropsychological testing.
- Frequent or severe seizures that affect safety, independence, or daily functioning.
- Abnormalities, such as brain tumour, malformations, infections, or scar tissue linked to recurrent seizures.
- High risk of injury due to sudden or prolonged seizures.
- Children with uncontrolled epilepsy affecting learning, development, or behaviour.
- Adults with disabling seizures that increase the risk of falls, accidents, or prolonged recovery.
- Patients meeting pre-surgical assessment criteria, including neurological, cognitive, and functional evaluations.
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Why is Epilepsy Surgery Important?
Epilepsy surgery provides an opportunity to control seizures when medications are no longer effective. It plays a significant role in preventing long-term complications and improving overall well-being. Surgery becomes especially important when recurrent seizures affect safety or daily activities. Key benefits of epilepsy surgery include:
- Improved seizure control, with many patients experiencing a significant reduction in seizure frequency
- Lower risk of seizure-related injuries, such as falls, accidents, and prolonged episodes
- Better cognitive and developmental outcomes, particularly in children with long-standing drug-resistant epilepsy
- Reduced dependence on long-term medications, which may decrease side effects over time
- Enhanced quality of life, allowing individuals to participate more confidently in education, work, and social activities
Types of Epilepsy Surgery Performed at Artemis Hospitals
At Artemis Hospitals, a range of advanced surgical procedures is offered to help manage drug-resistant epilepsy in children and adults. Each procedure is selected based on the exact location of seizure activity and the individual’s neurological profile. The goal is to target the seizure-producing area with precision while protecting vital brain functions and supporting long-term seizure control. Common types of epilepsy surgery include:
1. Temporal Lobectomy
In this surgery, neurosurgeons remove a small part of the temporal lobe, which is often the source of seizures. It is one of the most effective procedures for patients who have a clearly identified seizure focus.
2. Lesionectomy
During a lesionectomy, neurosurgeons carefully remove abnormal brain tissue such as a tumour, scar, or malformation that is causing seizures. This targeted approach often leads to strong improvement when the lesion is well-defined.
3. Corpus Callosotomy
In this procedure, neurosurgeons separate some of the nerve fibres that connect the two halves of the brain. This helps prevent severe seizures from spreading across the brain, particularly in individuals with sudden drop attacks.
4. Hemispherectomy
A hemispherectomy is a specialised surgery mainly used in children with severe epilepsy affecting one side of the brain. Neurosurgeons remove or disconnect the affected hemisphere to help stop seizures and support neurological development.
5. Vagus Nerve Stimulation VNS
For VNS, surgeons implant a small device under the skin of the chest. The device sends gentle electrical signals to the vagus nerve, helping reduce seizure frequency and intensity.
6. Responsive Neurostimulation RNS
In RNS, surgeons implant a device in the skull that monitors brain activity. When abnormal electrical patterns appear, it delivers small electrical pulses to interrupt seizures before they begin.
7. Laser Ablation Surgery for Epilepsy
Laser ablation is a minimally invasive technique where neurosurgeons use a thin, laser-guided probe to destroy a small area of brain tissue responsible for seizures. This procedure offers a shorter recovery time with a smaller incision.
How is Epilepsy Surgery Performed?
At Artemis Hospitals, epilepsy surgery follows a detailed and carefully coordinated process designed to ensure precision, safety, and the best possible seizure control outcomes. Every patient undergoes extensive evaluation before the procedure, and the surgical plan is created using advanced neurosurgical technology. The entire pathway, from preparation to postoperative care, is supervised by a multidisciplinary team of neurosurgeons, neurologists, anaesthesiologists, and epilepsy specialists.
Step-by-Step Surgical Process
The epilepsy surgery process at Artemis Hospitals is structured to identify the exact source of seizures and guide a safe, effective surgical approach. Key steps include:
- Comprehensive presurgical assessment, including video EEG monitoring, high-resolution MRI, PET scans, and neurological evaluations to pinpoint the seizure focus
- Functional brain mapping to identify regions responsible for speech, memory, vision, and movement, ensuring these areas are protected during surgery
- Individualised surgical planning based on test findings to choose the safest and most beneficial procedure
- Resection or neuromodulation, depending on whether the surgery involves removing seizure-producing tissue or implanting a device such as VNS or RNS
- Immediate postoperative monitoring in a specialised neurosurgical care unit to track neurological stability and early recovery
Anaesthesia Used for Epilepsy Surgery
All epilepsy surgeries at Artemis Hospitals are performed under general anaesthesia, ensuring complete comfort and safety throughout the procedure. A specialised neuro-anaesthesia team continuously monitors brain activity, vital signs, and breathing to maintain stability during surgery.
Surgical Techniques and Technology
Artemis Hospitals uses advanced neurosurgical systems to support accuracy and improve outcomes for patients undergoing epilepsy surgery. These include:
- Neuro-navigation technology to create detailed, real-time brain maps and guide precise surgical access
- Intraoperative monitoring that helps safeguard important brain functions during the procedure
- Minimally invasive methods, including laser ablation where appropriate, offering smaller incisions and faster recovery
- High-resolution imaging to provide real-time visual guidance and enhance surgical precision
Recovery After Epilepsy Surgery
At Artemis Hospitals, recovery after epilepsy surgery is supported through structured postoperative care, advanced monitoring, and regular follow-up evaluations. The neurology and neurosurgery teams work closely to ensure that healing progresses safely while assessing how well seizures are controlled after the procedure. Each recovery plan is personalised based on the type of surgery performed, pre-surgical health, and individual needs. Key components of the recovery process at Artemis Hospitals include:
- Specialised postoperative monitoring, where patients are observed in a neurosurgical recovery unit equipped to track neurological stability, vital signs, and healing
- Comprehensive pain and wound care, guided by experienced nurses to promote proper healing and reduce infection risk
- Medication management, where anti-seizure medicines are continued and adjusted as needed based on the patient’s progress
- Regular follow-up assessments, including MRI, EEG, and neurological evaluations performed by epileptologists and neurosurgeons
- Gradual reintegration into daily activities, with tailored advice to support a safe and stable recovery
- Cognitive or behavioural support, provided when needed by specialists in rehabilitation and neuropsychology
- Guidance on scar care, helping patients manage the epilepsy surgery incision site as it heals over time
Risks and Possible Complications of Epilepsy Surgery
Epilepsy surgery is generally safe when performed at a specialised centre, but all surgical procedures carry certain risks. At Artemis Hospitals, each patient undergoes detailed pre-surgical evaluation and advanced intraoperative monitoring to minimise complications and ensure the safest possible outcome. The neurosurgery and neurology teams work together to identify and manage potential risks early. Possible risks and complications of epilepsy surgery may include:
- Infection or bleeding, which are uncommon and carefully prevented through sterile surgical protocols
- Temporary neurological changes, such as memory issues, speech difficulty, or weakness, depending on the area of the brain involved
- Side effects related to anaesthesia, managed by experienced anaesthesiologists trained in neurological procedures
- Changes in mood or behaviour, which may occur in some individuals and are addressed through psychological support
- Seizure persistence, as some patients may continue to experience seizures even after surgery, although often less severe
- Scar formation at the surgical site, which is usually minimal and improves with time
At Artemis Hospitals, the use of neuro-navigation, continuous EEG monitoring, and high-precision imaging helps reduce these risks, making the procedure safer and more predictable for eligible candidates.
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Why Choose Artemis Hospitals for Epilepsy Surgery?
At Artemis Hospitals, the focus is on providing safe, precise, and effective epilepsy surgery for individuals whose seizures remain uncontrolled despite medication. The approach is centred on understanding each patient’s journey, offering clear guidance, and ensuring comfort throughout the entire treatment process. From the first evaluation to long-term follow-up, the hospital works closely with every patient and family to achieve the best possible outcome. Here is why Artemis Hospitals is a trusted choice for epilepsy surgery and comprehensive neurological care.
Expert Neurosurgeons and Epileptologists
At Artemis Hospitals, epilepsy surgery is led by a team of experienced neurosurgeons and epileptologists who specialise in treating complex seizure disorders. Every patient undergoes thorough diagnostic testing such as video EEG monitoring, high-resolution MRI, PET scans, and neuropsychological assessments to accurately locate the seizure focus. The team is also trained in paediatric epilepsy care, ensuring that children receive safe and age-appropriate treatment.
Advanced Neurosurgical Technology
The hospital uses advanced neurosurgical systems to make every procedure as safe and precise as possible. Technologies such as neuro-navigation, intraoperative monitoring, and continuous EEG guidance support accurate planning and execution. Where suitable, minimally invasive techniques, including laser-based procedures, are offered to reduce pain, minimise recovery time, and improve overall surgical outcomes.
Comprehensive and Supportive Care
At Artemis Hospitals, patient care does not end with surgery. The team stays involved through every stage of recovery, offering medication guidance, follow-up imaging, rehabilitation support, and counselling when needed. The goal is to help each patient regain confidence, improve seizure control, and return to daily activities with greater stability and independence.
Consult Our Specialists For Epilepsy Surgery
Early evaluation plays an important role in managing drug-resistant epilepsy and preventing long-term complications. At Artemis Hospitals, specialised neurology and neurosurgery teams provide advanced diagnostic testing, personalised surgical planning, and comprehensive care to support better seizure control and long-term wellness. To book an appointment with an epilepsy specialist at Artemis Hospitals, call +91-124-451-1111 or WhatsApp+91 9800400498. Appointments can also be scheduled through the online patient portal or via the Artemis Personal Health Record mobile app, available on both iOS and Android devices.
Reviewed ByDr. Anuvrat Sinha
Consultant Neurosurgery
Artemis Hospitals