Neuropsychology in Adult Epilepsy Surgery

Abstract Although epilepsy surgery has evolved over the decades, the goal of epilepsy surgery has essentially, remained the same: To resect or ablate a sufficient amount of epileptogenic tissue to eliminate seizures, yet, at the same time, to minimize the amount of tissue that is disrupted in order to preserve cognitive functioning postoperatively. Neuropsychologists play a critical role in adult epilepsy surgery centers toward this end. Utilizing several specialized techniques including comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations, Wada testing, and electrocortical stimulation (language) mapping, we aim to identify risks and benefits associated with particular neurosurgical procedures. The information gleaned from these procedures is used by the surgical team along with other medical data, to derive a detailed treatment plan for each patient. Several case examples are included to highlight the ways in which these techniques and the data they generate are used for individual patients.