Surgery Offers Better Seizure Control for Tuberous Sclerosis Patients

Source: Neurology

Summary

This study looked at the effects of resective surgery on children with drug-resistant epilepsy related to tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Researchers gathered data from 21 medical centers in China between 2019 and 2022. They compared two groups: one group of patients who had surgery and another group who continued with medication alone.

The findings showed that patients who had resective surgery experienced much better seizure control compared to those who only took medication. After one year, 77% of the surgery group were seizure-free, while only 13% of the medication group achieved the same. Additionally, those who had surgery showed improvements in their IQ and quality of life, and they needed fewer antiseizure medications over time. The surgery was found to be safe, with no serious complications reported.

These results are important because they suggest that resective surgery can be a more effective treatment for children with TSC-related epilepsy than medication alone. However, the study has some limitations, such as potential biases in patient selection and differences between the medical centers involved. Overall, this research provides valuable evidence for families considering treatment options for drug-resistant epilepsy in children with TSC.

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