Effect of surgical excision of the anterior temporal lobe and hippocampus on the cognitive function of patients with refractory temporal lobe epilepsy

Objective To evaluate the effect of surgical excision of the anterior temporal lobe and hippocampus on the cognitive function of patients with refractory temporal lobe epilepsy. Methods Nineteen patients with refractory temporal epilepsy received surgical excision of the anterior temporal lobe and hippocampus, and cognitive neuropsychologieal assessments were conducted, 3 and 6 months after the surgery, to evaluate the changes in the patinets' cognitive functions. Results Satisfactory effects were achieved in these patients after the operations. One patient showed temporary speech disorder, and two exhibited temporary euphoria. Patients with refractory temporal lobe epilepsy had severe cognitive dysfunctions involving especially in the intelligence, attention and memory, which were not aggravated after the operation, Conversely, the operation resulted in gradual improvement of some of the cognitive functions in these patients. Conclusion Patients with refractory temporal lobe epilepsy have cognitive dysfunction, and surgical excision of the anterior temporal lobe and hippocampus can cure or reduce seizure of temporal lobe epilepsy and improve the cognitive dysfunctions to some extent. Key words: Temporal lobe epilepsy; Anterior temporal lobe; Hippocampus; Cognitive function