Patient satisfaction with surgical treatment of refractory epilepsy done in childhood and early adolescence

The results of a retrospective self-controlled telephone satisfaction survey of 63 patients who had undergone an earlier resection for the treatment of medically refractory epilepsy before the age of 18 years was reported. The survey items consisted of a global rating scale and a series of open-ended questions about positive and negative outcomes as a result of the surgery. Most (80%) of the patients felt the surgery had had a positive effect on their lives. The mean global score was 6.24+2.4 (scale 0-9). Strong positive correlations were found between seizure control and degree of satisfaction and between perceived postsurgical neurological deficits and dissatisfaction.