Smr Surgery

SMR Surgery: A Novel Treatment for Epilepsy

What is SMR Surgery?

Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) is the actual term for SMR Surgery, which is a less invasive and entirely different procedure from traditional brain surgeries to treat epilepsy. Electrodes are implanted into the brain to precisely identify the area to target. Following this mapping procedure, doctors will remove the portions of the brain that are triggering seizures.

How Does SMR Surgery Differ From Traditional Brain Surgery?

During traditional brain surgery for epilepsy, the surgeon removes a portion of the brain based on imaging and clinical data. This method can be less effective because the exact source of seizures is often difficult to determine, and removing healthy tissue can lead to side effects.

Benefits of SMR Surgery

In contrast, SMR Surgery offers several advantages over traditional surgery: * Greater Precision - SEEG allows for more accurate identification of the seizure focus, reducing the risk of damage to healthy brain tissue. * Reduced Side Effects - The minimally invasive nature of SMR Surgery minimizes potential side effects such as memory loss, language problems, and motor impairments. * Improved Seizure Control - SMR Surgery has been shown to be effective in reducing or eliminating seizures in a majority of patients.

Who is a Candidate for SMR Surgery?

SMR Surgery is an option for patients with epilepsy who have failed to respond to medication and other non-surgical treatments. The ideal candidates are those with: * Focal seizures that originate from a well-defined area of the brain * Medically refractory epilepsy that has not responded to two or more anti-seizure medications * No other underlying medical conditions that would make surgery too risky

Procedure Details

SMR Surgery involves multiple stages: * Preoperative Evaluation - This includes a thorough medical history, physical examination, and brain imaging studies to determine if SMR Surgery is appropriate. * Electrode Implantation - Under general anesthesia, electrodes are implanted into the brain to record brain activity and identify the seizure focus. * Mapping and Planning - The data from the electrodes is analyzed to create a detailed map of the brain and identify the areas responsible for the seizures. * Surgery - Once the seizure focus is identified, surgery is performed to remove the affected tissue. * Recovery - After surgery, patients typically stay in the hospital for a few days. Recovery time varies, but most people can return to their normal activities within a few weeks.

Conclusion

SMR Surgery is a promising new treatment option for people with epilepsy who have not responded to medication or other therapies. This minimally invasive procedure offers greater precision, reduced side effects, and improved seizure control compared to traditional brain surgery. If you are struggling with epilepsy, talk to your doctor to see if SMR Surgery might be right for you.