Temporal lobectomy in children with epilepsy

The results of temporal lobectomy for medically refractory seizures are analyzed in 29 boys and 21 girls with a mean age of 15.8 years. The average age at onset of seizures was 7.5 years, and the time between onset and surgery averaged 8.3 years. Postoperatively, 27 patients (54%) were seizure-free, 12 patients (24%) had only occasional auras without loss of consciousness, five patients (10%) had fewer seizures, and six (12%) were unchanged. Therefore, 78% were essentially seizure-free and 88% benefited significantly from the operation. There was no significant change in the Wechsler Intelligence Scale scores before and after surgery; however, the shorter the time between seizure onset and surgery, the greater the likelihood of improvement in verbal and perceptual intelligence quotient. Social outcome was significantly improved, and a large percentage of patients were either in school or actively employed. Early consideration of temporal lobectomy in children with medically refractory seizures is recommended.