Neuropsychological Evaluation of the Epilepsy Surgical Candidate

摘要: Neurosurgical intervention is the primary treatment option for patients with partial epilepsies that are refractory to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). The probability a patient epilepsy will be successfully treated an AED greatly diminishes after two drug trial failures (Kwan & Brodie, 2000), and such typically considered surgical et al., 2010). Neuropsychological assessment integral component of management epilepsy, representing useful clinical method identifying optimal candidates maximizing outcome parameters while serving as research tool. practice neuropsychology in setting monitoring unit has enriched our understanding neurocognitive processes their underlying neural substrates, this environment provides unique opportunity study brain functions highly controlled fashion before resection. Likewise, impact been profound, it represents means confirm seizure onset, predict possible effects intervention, track changes over time. Neuropsychologists also ideally equipped explain potential risks benefits surgery patients, identify address comorbid psychiatric issues, direct course cognitive rehabilitation when necessary following surgery. goals current chapter include elucidating purpose surgery, exploring difficulties involved obtaining valid (e.g., dealing acute activity or confounding AEDs), providing concrete recommendations regarding selection tests achieve both goals. A summary findings have amassed years presurgical confirmation focus postsurgical identification deficits resulting from provided. In context, usefulness neuropsychological results covered well, vignette included highlight several central topics.