Epilepsy surgery treats seizures that medicine can’t control. It helps target the brain area causing seizures.
Epilepsy surgery, sometimes referred to as temporal lobe epilepsy surgery, is a neurosurgical procedure performed to eliminate or significantly reduce the frequency of seizures in patients whose epilepsy has not responded to medication. The primary goal is to safely remove, disconnect, or alter the specific area of the brain where the seizures originate — known as the seizure focus — while preserving critical functions such as speech, movement, and memory. AHN neurosurgeons excel in providing specialized, advanced surgical procedures to help our patients find relief from epilepsy.
The Epilepsy Foundation estimates that around 70% of those who undergo temporal lobe epilepsy surgery have a positive result*. For many, success from epilepsy surgery means experiencing fewer or even no seizures, regaining independence — including driving or working, and feeling more in control of their overall health.
Your specific goals and version of success are unique to your specific diagnosis, and your AHN care team is here to help you achieve these goals. We understand each of our patients has different needs, and we’ve created our epilepsy surgery program to meet each patient where they are. Read about how Amanda’s life changed when she came to AHN.
The benefits of epilepsy surgery extend far beyond immediate seizure control. The main goal is to protect long-term brain health. Over time, frequent seizures can pose cumulative risks and cause potential damage to the brain. Intercepting this cycle is vital for preserving neurological function.
This is particularly important for individuals diagnosed with refractory epilepsy, which is the medical term for drug-resistant epilepsy. Patients who have tried and failed to control their seizures with two or more anti-seizure medications can consult with their AHN specialist to consider a comprehensive clinical appointment for epilepsy surgery. By reviewing surgical options, eligible patients can protect their long-term brain health, minimize physical risks, and significantly improve their overall quality of life.
The AHN Neurosurgery Department, where epilepsy surgery is performed, is dedicated to improving our patients’ lives. This patient-centered approach leads every decision we make. Using advanced treatment options, our renowned neurosurgeons have pioneered novel therapies using cutting-edge techniques and equipment to positively change lives. We operate in a team-based approach to identify the best course of treatment for our patients that considers their overall health.
Prior to coming to AHN, patients often have anxiety or fear regarding their options. Our dedicated team is here listen, learn, and educate about your choices. From diagnosis through treatment and to recovery, we are with you every step of the way to deliver the best health outcomes possible.
You’ll benefit from physicians dedicated to developing new treatments, integrative multidisciplinary clinics, and participation in advanced clinical trials. Our experienced team of board-certified experts include neurosurgery and pain management specialists. They collaborate on diagnosing and treating complex neurosurgical conditions, including epilepsy. The AHN Neurosurgery Department and its focus on epilepsy surgery offers patients:
AHN’s Allegheny General Hospital offers a comprehensive range of surgical options for patients with drug-resistant (refractory) epilepsy, reflecting its status as a Level 4 Epilepsy Center. When medications fail, epilepsy surgery—including targeted procedures like temporal lobe epilepsy surgery —serves as a vital intervention. For many patients, undergoing specialized seizure surgery or advanced brain surgery for epilepsy provides a clear path toward improved seizure control and long-term neurological health.
Epilepsy surgery can offer significant benefits for individuals whose seizures are not well-controlled by medication, but as with any surgery, it does carry potential side effects and risks. The specific risks can vary depending on the area of the brain being operated on and the type of surgery performed. Your surgical team will discuss the specific risks for your procedure and the strategies they use to minimize complications. We’re here to help you feel confident in your treatment and surgical options.
Undergoing epilepsy surgery is a significant decision, and knowing what to expect throughout the process can help alleviate concerns. AHN is here to support and guide you through your epilepsy surgery so you understand your options and the care you will receive. The entire clinical team is dedicated to working with you, so you know what to expect for your specific care plan.
Before any procedure takes place, a thorough evaluation is essential to map out your brain's activity and ensure the safest, most effective approach. Your case is evaluated by a multidisciplinary board—including your dedicated epilepsy surgeon, neurologists, and care coordinators—to design a personalized treatment plan centered entirely around your needs. For patients with drug resistant epilepsy, this evaluation often involves these important steps:
Your epilepsy surgery AHN aims to provide the highest level of care for complex epilepsy, and your clinical team will guide you through each step of the process. When preparing for brain surgery for seizures or specialized seizure surgery, it helps to understand how the operation unfolds. During epilepsy surgery, you’ll typically receive general anesthesia so you remain in a sleep-like state throughout the procedure. Your care team will closely monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and brain activity, using electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring when needed to help pinpoint where seizures begin.
After completing your surgery for epilepsy, your postoperative care focuses on safety, comfort, and healing. Recovery is different for everyone. It happens gradually and your team will give you clear guidance on when you can safely resume your daily activities. It’s important to not over extend yourself and follow the specific guidance your care team gives you.Here is what you can expect during your immediate recovery:
When you receive care at AHN Neuroscience, you’ll be seen by board-certified neurologists, neurosurgeons, and pain management physicians who can deliver highly specialized treatments using the latest, most advanced technologies. We recommend that you bring a trusted friend or family member to attend any appointment, but we do not recommend taking young children who cannot be left unattended in the waiting rooms.
We encourage you to sign up for AHN MyChart access, where you can complete some new patient paperwork and questionnaires through the MyChart web portal or the MyChart app.
Plan to arrive at the check-in desk about 30 minutes prior to the start of your appointment. That will provide enough time for the necessary intake process. Even if you use the eCheck in through MyChart, we ask that you arrive at the check-in desk 30 minutes before the start of your appointment to make sure we have your appropriate information.
We recommend that you bring a trusted friend or family member to attend any appointment, but we do not recommend taking young children who cannot be left unattended in the waiting rooms. There are also certain items and paperwork you’ll want to have with you so our office staff and healthcare team have your necessary information.
In order to process your information and start your appointment on time, please bring:
Please bring copies of previous medical records, including office visit notes, lab work, hospital stay summaries, and radiology reports from outside health organizations. You’ll also want to have a complete list of medications and supplements, including dosing amounts.
For worker’s compensation or auto claim purposes, please have date of injury, claim number, billing address, and the name and phone number of the claims adjuster.
f you have had imaging studies done at imaging locations outside of Allegheny Health Network, you will need to follow these steps:
If you will require any personal items or medical equipment — walker, cane, wheelchair, oxygen — that will make your post-procedure care easier, please bring that with you.
As a Level 4 Epilepsy Center, Allegheny General Hospital is equipped to provide comprehensive support throughout this phase, focusing on both physical recovery and long-term seizure management to enhance your quality of life. AHN emphasizes comprehensive support throughout the entire process, including the crucial home recovery period.
Transitioning from the hospital to home is an important milestone in your healing journey. To ensure a safe and successful recovery at home, keep the following guidance in mind:
Your AHN team will talk with you about whether or not you’ll need rehabilitation. To help your recovery, you may need:
At the Joseph and Kathleen Guyaux Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, we provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment services to address every aspect of your epilepsy care in one place. Our epilepsy specialists use advanced technology to give you a precise diagnosis and, most importantly, we will create a personalized treatment plan specifically designed for your unique needs and goals. The epilepsy center is located at Allegheny General Hospital, which is home to a Level I Adult Trauma Center that provides the highest level of surgical and medical care available. Learn more about the Joseph and Kathleen Guyaux Comprehensive Epilepsy Center.
To schedule an appointment or learn more about services at the Joseph and Kathleen Guyaux Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, call 412-359-8850 in Pittsburgh or 814-452-7575 in Erie. For more information about epilepsy surgery, learn about the Joseph and Kathleen Guyaux Comprehensive Epilepsy Center.
