Epilepsy surgery saves lives
Epilepsy surgery is not a last resort and can be life-saving for children with drug-resistant epilepsy. Recent studies show that surgery can not only control or reduce seizures better than medication alone, but also reduces the risk of death, improves quality of life, and can help children thrive.
Talking about surgery can feel scary. But you’re not alone.
We know it’s frightening to think that epilepsy can be fatal. And we know that the idea of surgery can feel scary, too. But it’s important for parents to get the facts.
It’s time to talk about how epilepsy surgery can save lives.
83%
83%
Cranial epilepsy surgery lowers the risk of death
For children with drug-resistant epilepsy, a large study found that having cranial epilepsy surgery (when appropriate) plus medication is linked to an 83% lower chance of dying over the next 10 years compared with medication alone.
That’s a major drop in risk that can change a child’s future.
Vagus nerve stimulation also lowers the risk of death
If a child isn’t a candidate for cranial surgery, there is still meaningful help: vagus nerve stimulator implantation (VNS) plus medication was linked to a 35% lower chance of dying over 10 years compared with medication alone.
Bottom line: once two anti-seizure medicines have failed, ask about a prompt evaluation at a comprehensive epilepsy center. The team can determine which surgical therapy is the safest, most effective next step for your child.
35%
When seizures don’t respond to medication, the risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is higher. Epilepsy surgery can reduce that risk by about two-thirds — making it three times smaller.
THREE
TIMES
SMALLER
What long-term survival looks like at ten years after treatment
Medication only
89 out of 100 children are alive.
VNS + medication
93 out of 100 are alive.
Cranial epilepsy surgery + medication
98 out of 100 are alive.
Most kids try medicine first. If two medicines don’t stop the seizures, doctors call it drug-resistant epilepsy. And medical guidelines say that’s the moment to ask for a surgical evaluation.
Not months or years later.
Stop.
If your child’s seizures aren’t controlled after trying two medications, stop and take notice.
This is called drug-resistant epilepsy and it means it’s time to look at other options.
Think.
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Think about what a lifetime of uncontrolled seizures mean for your child’s safety, learning, and future.
Epilepsy surgery isn’t a last resort. It’s a powerful treatment that can save lives.
Ask.
Ask your child’s neurologist for a referral for surgical evaluation at an experienced comprehensive epilepsy center.
It doesn’t mean you’ve decided your child will have surgery. It means experts will take a closer look to see if it could help.
Surgery can be life-saving
Many families are told there’s “nothing more to do.” Learn how epilepsy surgery can offer real hope, even for kids with complex, drug-resistant epilepsies. Watch this video to learn about all the research that shows the life-saving nature of epilepsy surgery. Experts and parents share what signs to look for, how evaluations work, and why it’s never too early to ask about surgery.
Get Referred Early
If your child’s seizures continue after trying two medications, it’s time to ask for a surgical evaluation. Early evaluation can be life-changing and improve your child’s quality of life.
