Pediatric neurosurgery
-
Pediatric neurosurgery · Jan 1996
Seizure outcome in children treated for arteriovenous malformations using gamma knife radiosurgery.
Seizures are the second most common presenting symptom of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in children. Although radiosurgery has been found to be a safe and effective alternative treatment, the outcome of seizure control in children after radiosurgery for AVMs is unknown. Between 1987 and 1994, 72 children under the age of 18 years were treated with gamma knife radiosurgery for AVMs at our institution. ⋯ Two of the 72 patients (3%) developed seizures after treatment and remain on medication. Seizure outcome was not associated with the location or complete obliteration of the lesion. We conclude that stereotactic radiosurgery, as a non-invasive alternative, is associated with a good outcome for the AVM as well as AVM-related seizures in children.