[Epilepsy surgery: the curative approach]. / Chirurgie de l'épiepsie: l'approche curative.

ABSTRACT

Epilepsy surgery is possible in specific cases of localisation-related pharmaco-resistant epilepsy and can often lead to seizure-freedom condition. A presurgical diagnostic workup is necessary to localise the epileptic focus and assess the risks of post-operative neurological or cognitive deficits. Even when the brain MRI does not reveal any lesion, other imaging techniques and in some cases intracranial EEG recordings can lead to successful surgery. All patients suffering from pharmaco-resistant epilepsy should be referred to an expert centre to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the possibility of epilepsy surgery. In children, early epilepsy surgery can allow better continuation of cognitive development and education.