Lobectomy

Lobectomy is the most common surgical treatment for epilepsy. During this procedure, a neurosurgeon removes part of a section of the brain called the temporal lobe. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and the recovery time in the hospital is usually about 24 hours.

Cortical mapping

Much of the brain can be operated on without causing any permanent problems. Surgeons take care to avoid certain important areas that control functions such as speech, vision, and movement. They map out these areas with a technique called cortical mapping. This involves sending small amounts of electrical current through electrodes on the surface of the brain, one centimeter at a time. If stimulating a certain location causes symptoms, the surgeon knows that removing this area may cause a problem. With this information, they know exactly which parts of the brain can be safely removed in surgery and which parts to avoid.

The UAB Epilepsy Center

UAB Medicine is home to some of the nation’s most experienced epilepsy specialists, with expertise in all types of epilepsy. Our neurologists and neurosurgeons work together to develop care plans that are personalized to each patient. Our history of innovative patient care in diagnosing, treating, and managing this condition helped the UAB Epilepsy Center achieve a Level IV Center designation – the highest available – from the National Association of Epilepsy Centers.

The UAB Epilepsy Center uses advanced imaging technology to evaluate patients. UAB Medicine is the only hospital in the Birmingham area with such a wide range of technology, including:

• Magnetoencephalography (MEG) brain scanning
• High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Combined electroencephalogram (EEG) and MRI scans
• Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scanning

Epilepsy Transition Clinic

For people who are born with epilepsy or develop it in their youth, the process of moving to adult care can be challenging. Our Epilepsy Transition Clinic works closely with the UAB STEP Program to make that process easier and help patients who have multiple chronic conditions. This team includes pediatric and adult neurologists who are board-certified in epilepsy, as well as social workers, a mental health liaison, and a transition coordinator. The program includes regularly scheduled clinic visits and helps prepare pediatric patients for adult care.ransition program includes regularly scheduled clinic visits and assistance in preparing pediatric patients for adult care.

Care Providers

Kristen Riley, MD Brain and Tumor Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Oncology

Videos

Resources

• National Institutes of Health

Related Specialties

• Epilepsy