What type of follow-up care is necessary after surgery?
Patients usually go home 4 to 5 days after epilepsy surgery, and can return to most activities after 2-4 weeks. A period of recuperation (usually 2-3 months) is necessary before returning to work or school. The patient will continue to follow up with his neurologist and neurosurgeon. Sometimes rehabilitation (physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy) is needed. The patient will continue to take antiepileptic medications for several years, and the blood levels of medications and other blood tests will be followed. Neuropsychological testing is done one year after surgery to see if there are any long-term effects from the surgery.
