Our Summary

This research paper looked at how surgery on the temporal lobe (a part of the brain) for epilepsy in children affects their mental and psychological abilities. The researchers also wanted to see if having surgery at an earlier age leads to better results, and what factors might predict these results. They reviewed 73 different studies and found that for most children, their mental abilities stayed the same after surgery; some got worse and some improved. The side of the brain where the surgery was done seemed to affect specific memory skills. It also appeared that those with lower abilities before surgery had better cognitive outcomes. The researchers suggest that future studies should be designed better, with agreed-upon measures and long-term follow-up, so that doctors, young patients, and their families can make better decisions about whether to have the surgery and what to expect afterwards.

FAQs

  1. Does brain surgery on the temporal lobe for epilepsy affect a child’s mental and psychological abilities?
  2. Does having surgery at an earlier age lead to better mental and psychological outcomes?
  3. What factors might predict the outcome of a child’s mental and psychological abilities after brain surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about brain surgery is to follow all post-operative instructions carefully, including taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and following any rehabilitation or therapy plans. It is also important to communicate openly with your healthcare team about any concerns or changes in symptoms. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate rest can support your recovery and overall brain health.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for brain surgery include those with:

  1. Brain tumors: Surgery may be recommended to remove tumors that are causing symptoms or are at risk of growing and causing more serious issues.

  2. Epilepsy: In some cases, surgery may be recommended for patients with epilepsy who have not responded well to medications.

  3. Traumatic brain injury: In cases where there is significant damage to the brain that could be improved with surgery, a patient may be recommended for surgery.

  4. Aneurysms: Surgery may be recommended to repair an aneurysm in the brain to prevent it from rupturing and causing a potentially life-threatening situation.

  5. Hydrocephalus: Surgery may be recommended to treat hydrocephalus, a condition where there is an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.

  6. Stroke: In some cases of stroke, surgery may be recommended to remove a blood clot or repair damaged blood vessels in the brain.

  7. Parkinson’s disease: Deep brain stimulation surgery may be recommended for patients with Parkinson’s disease who are not responding well to medication.

  8. Chiari malformation: Surgery may be recommended to address a Chiari malformation, a condition where the brain tissue extends into the spinal canal.

It is important for patients to discuss their specific condition and treatment options with their healthcare provider to determine if brain surgery is the best course of action for their individual situation.

Timeline

  1. Pre-surgery evaluation: Before brain surgery, the patient will undergo a series of evaluations including neurological exams, imaging tests, and psychological assessments to determine the extent of the condition and the potential risks and benefits of surgery.

  2. Surgery preparation: The patient will be briefed on what to expect during the surgery, including potential risks and complications. They may also need to undergo pre-operative tests and procedures to ensure they are in optimal health for surgery.

  3. Brain surgery: During the surgery, the neurosurgeon will carefully remove or treat the affected area of the brain. The length and complexity of the surgery will depend on the specific condition being treated.

  4. Post-surgery recovery: After surgery, the patient will be closely monitored in the hospital for any complications or side effects. They may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort in the area of the surgery, and will be given medication to manage these symptoms.

  5. Rehabilitation and therapy: Depending on the extent of the surgery and the condition being treated, the patient may need to undergo physical, occupational, or speech therapy to regain lost functions and improve overall quality of life.

  6. Follow-up care: The patient will have regular follow-up appointments with their medical team to monitor their progress, adjust medications, and address any concerns or complications that may arise.

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after brain surgery can vary depending on the specific condition being treated, the complexity of the surgery, and the individual patient’s response to treatment. It is important for patients to work closely with their medical team to ensure the best possible outcome and recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of brain surgery will I be undergoing?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process expected to be?
  4. Will this surgery affect my cognitive abilities or memory?
  5. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of?
  6. What is the success rate of this surgery for my specific condition?
  7. How many times have you performed this type of surgery?
  8. Are there any alternative treatment options available?
  9. How will my quality of life be impacted after the surgery?
  10. What is the expected outcome in terms of seizure control or symptom improvement?

Reference

Authors: Flint AE, Waterman M, Bowmer G, Vadlamani G, Chumas P, Morrall MCHJ. Journal: Seizure. 2017 Nov;52:89-116. doi: 10.1016/j.seizure.2017.09.011. Epub 2017 Sep 19. PMID: 29032016