Epilepsy Surgery for Cognitive Improvement in Epileptic Encephalopathy.

Epileptic encephalopathies are defined by the presence of frequent epileptiform activity that causes neurodevelopmental slowing or regression. Here, we review evidence that epilepsy surgery improves neurodevelopment in children with epileptic encephalopathies. We describe an example patient with epileptic encephalopathy without drug refractory seizures, who underwent successful diagnostic and therapeutic surgeries. In patients with epileptic encephalopathy, cognitive improvement alone is a sufficient indication to recommend surgical intervention in experienced centers.
Competing Interests: Disclosure Dr C.J. Chu is a coinvestigator in the Neuropace Nautilus trial. Dr C.J. Chu receives research support from NIHNINDS, United States, NIHNIMH, United States, and the Epilepsy Foundation, United States New England and is a coinvestigator in the Neuropace Nautilus trial. Dr C.J. Chu has served as a consultant for Biogen Inc, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Sun Pharmaceuticals, and Novartis within the last 2 years. Dr R.M. Richardson is PI in the Neuropace Nautilus trial and coinvestigator in the RNS System LGS Feasibility Study. Dr R.M. Richardson receives research support from NIH NINDS. Dr K.T. Kahle receives research support from NIH NINDS.
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