Direct brain registration
Direct brain registration may be done when there are indications that epilepsy surgery could be a treatment option, but when there are doubts about the exact location of where the epilepsy originates.
With this advanced type of pre-surgical seizure detection doctors attempt to accurately determine what part of the brain is responsible for the seizures. Usually, the areas in the brain that control main bodily functions are also demarcated. There are three types of direct brain registration:
With strip electrodes, the electrode tips are located on thin wires that are placed directly on the brains in the proximity of the suspected epileptic point of origin. This is done under general anesthesia.
In a grid, the electrode tips are located on a small mat (several square centimeters) that is placed directly on the brains in the vicinity of the suspected epileptic point of origin. Next, pre-surgical seizure detection takes place during a period in the hospital. When epileptic surgery turns out to be an option, the surgery takes place when the mat is removed.
In a stereo-EEG, the electrode tips are also placed on these wires. These wires are placed in the brains using a needle under general anesthesia. The seizures detection may take up to several weeks and takes place in Kempenhaeghe. When the direct brain registration confirms epilepsy surgery to be an option, the operation is scheduled several months after removal of the wires.
Preceding this major examination, you will receive detailed information, personally by the neurologist and/or nursing specialist, about the course of the examination and the practical things you must reckon with.