Neurosurgery clinics of North America
-
This article reviews the preoperative evaluation of the child with intractable epilepsy. The importance of the history and the clinical manifestations of the seizures, and the results of electrophysiology, neurophysiology, and neuroimaging studies are discussed.
-
Children requiring surgical treatment of epilepsy present many perioperative challenges. They demand the skills of a pediatric neuroanesthesiologist who is familiar with the physiologic and psychological needs of the pediatric patient, in addition to understanding the effects of anesthetic agents on the central nervous system. Not only is it important for the anesthesiologist to be aware of the neurosurgeon's specific operative plans, but also it is essential that the neurosurgeon understand the issues facing the anesthesiologist to avoid preventable intraoperative problems and to facilitate an optimal outcome for the patient.