Seizures in children may be a symptom of another problem such as a brain tumor or vascular malformation. Some seizures persist for unknown reasons. Seizures have many different manifestations, but all occur due to inappropriate synchronous firing of brain neurons. Repeated seizures are called epilepsy.
Seizures refractory to treatment by medication are termed intractable. Intractable seizures can be treated effectively in the majority of cases with a variety of surgical procedures tailored to each child's needs.
Poorly-controlled seizures are dangerous and disruptive. In addition to the actual seizures, problems may arise from side-effects of the medicines used to control them. Seizures are often associated with learning and behavioral difficulties. As children mature and become teenagers, epilepsy may hinder their ability to develop into independent self-sufficient adults. Achieving seizure control earlier optimizes a child's development.
Surgery for intractable seizures offers children the opportunity to have a significant reduction in seizure frequency or even cure them. Surgery can also decrease or eliminate the requirement for medication. With better seizure control, children typically experience vast improvements in their ability to learn and interact with others.
A dedicated pediatric epilepsy team cares for children undergoing surgery for seizures in a family-centered environment at Rainbow, as part of the University Hospitals Comprehensive Epilepsy Center. Each child undergoes an individualized pre-surgical evaluation using the latest advances in clinical management and technology. Our comprehensive approach strives to obtain better seizure control, improve the child's quality of life, and optimize the child's future.