Phase 0: Preparation for epilepsy surgery

Are you and your healthcare team considering epilepsy surgery as a possible way to become seizure-free? In a series of videos from the Academic Center for Epileptology, a collaboration between Kempenhaeghe and MUMC+, you can learn about the entire process of epilepsy surgery, meet several patients, and hear about what this journey has meant for them.

We must be certain that surgery and the removal of the epileptic focus will not lead to significant damage, such as paralysis, speech loss, or memory impairment. The potential benefits of the surgery must outweigh the risks. If epilepsy surgery could be a treatment option for you or your child, you will go through an extensive process. This includes multiple preoperative examinations and may take a longer period. Long-term seizure monitoring, MRI scans, and neuropsychological assessments are essential parts of the process.

Locations for Tests and Surgery

Most of the preparatory tests and seizure monitoring take place at Kempenhaeghe (Heeze). Some tests are conducted at Maastricht UMC+, where brain surgeries for both adults and children also take place. It is also possible that your child may have surgery at UMC Utrecht. After brain surgery, you or your child will return to Kempenhaeghe for post-operative care.

Key Decision Points

At each step of the process, a national Epilepsy Surgery Working Group determines whether the next phase of your journey has a sufficient chance of success. This working group consists of medical specialists from epilepsy centers and academic hospitals. After each step, you may be informed whether you qualify for surgery or not. Sometimes, additional tests are necessary. Sometimes, it may already be clear that surgery is unfortunately not an option in your case. Together with your neurologist and a nurse specialist, you will discuss the outcome of the Epilepsy Surgery Working Group after each phase, and whether you want to continue the process after receiving the "green light."