Why am I to have epilepsy surgery now?

• Your seizures are not being controlled with seizure medicine
• Your doctors have been able to find the place in your brain where your seizures begin

What happens on the day of my surgery?

You will go to the operating room by stretcher where you will meet the operating room nurses and doctors. From the time you are taken from your hospital room until the time you are taken to the recovery room will be about 6 to 8 hours. The surgery will be done under general anaesthesia. You will have a small head bandage, which will be removed after a few days.

Will my hair need to be shaved?

Yes. Your doctor will decide how much of your hair will have to be shaved. Your hair will start to grow back very soon and will hide your scar.

How will I feel after the surgery?

• You may have some swelling around your eye and face, have a headache, have nausea, or feel sore.
• Seizures may continue in the first few days after surgery. This is not unusual.
• You may find that it hurts to chew and open your mouth. Ask your nurse for some medicine to relieve your pain. You should feel much better by day 3 and feel ready to go home by day 4.

What will happen to my seizures?

You may still have seizures the first few days after surgery. This is not unusual.

What should I do after I go home?

• When you go home please take it easy and get plenty of sleep.
• Have a friend or family member come and help you for a few days.
• Your stitches will be removed in 7 to 10 days. This can be done by your C.L.S.C., local clinic or your family doctor.
• Do not do things that have triggered your seizures in the past.
• Wait 4 to 6 weeks before going back to work, school or doing activities that require effort.
• It is very important that you continue to take your seizure medicine that the doctor has ordered for you.

What about my emotions?

Some people find that their emotions go up and down during the first weeks after surgery. You may feel “blue” or depressed or become excited or elated. These feelings are temporary but you may need to take medicine for this for a short time. Each person’s recovery after surgery is different. Your doctors, nurses and social worker are available to provide support and answer your questions.

When do I go back to see my doctor?

Regular follow-ups will be scheduled with your doctors. It is important to keep these appointments. The doctor will want to see how you are healing from your surgery and if the surgery has reduced your seizures.

Call your surgeon immediately if:

• Your headaches increase • You get a fever or stiff neck
• Your wound becomes red, swollen, painful or starts to ooze any fluid.