What makes uncontrolled epilepsy severe enough to consider a surgical treatment?
Alternative therapy, including vagus nerve stimulation and epilepsy surgery, should be reserved for those patients continuing to have seizures despite the use of standard medications. If medications work, then invasive procedures are not an appropriate treatment. Persistent, continuing seizures may be perceived as non-threatening to the patient, but seizures do restrict patient freedom and increase risk of injury. Alternative treatment, like surgery, may not be an option if the severity of the patient’s limitations are too difficult to appreciate. Seizures should not be allowed to restrict a patient’s life when he or she might be seizure-free with a surgical treatment.
