Surgical intervention is proving to be a highly effective treatment for epilepsy patients who do not benefit from medication, and this is a significant advancement for individuals suffering from the drug-resistant form of this neurological disease.
This information was shared by renowned neurologist and President of the Epilepsy Foundation Pakistan, Professor Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui, during a scientific session at the first international PENSCON 2025 conference on Monday. Dr. Siddiqui, who is also associated with Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, presented her paper titled “Epilepsy Surgery: Patient and Procedure Selection and Outcomes.”
Dr. Siddiqui explained that this surgical option is considered for individuals who do not respond to at least two different anti-seizure medications. She stated that although medication is the primary course of treatment, the surgical procedure has shown considerable success. She holds the distinction of pioneering this treatment method for epilepsy in Pakistan and has already completed several successful operations.
Looking ahead, Dr. Siddiqui expressed her commitment to making this life-changing procedure available outside of Karachi. To achieve this goal, a new training program is being initiated to equip more medical professionals across the country with the necessary skills. Other distinguished speakers at the conference, including Professor Muhammad Nadeem Qasuri, Professor Ahsan Numan, and Professor Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Abid Butt among others, also presented their views.
The primary goal of epilepsy surgery is to remove or modify the specific part of the brain where seizures originate, while carefully preserving critical neurological functions. Dr. Siddiqui emphasized that meticulous patient selection is paramount for the success of this intervention.
A multidisciplinary team, comprising an epileptologist, a neurosurgeon, and a neuropsychologist, is essential for evaluating potential candidates. Ideal patients are those who have focal seizures originating from a single, identifiable location in a non-critical area of the brain, and who also clearly understand the potential risks and benefits.
The outcomes of the surgery are influenced by factors such as the type of epilepsy and the precise location of the lesion. Dr. Siddiqui highlighted that temporal lobe surgery can provide complete seizure freedom for 70 to 80 percent of suitable patients, though success rates for operations in other parts of the brain are lower. She concluded that early diagnosis and timely intervention are key to achieving better seizure control.