Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by seizures that can range from mild staring spells to loss of consciousness and convulsions.

While medication is the first line of treatment for epilepsy, some people continue to experience seizures despite taking multiple medications. For these individuals, epilepsy surgery may be an option.

One form of epilepsy surgery involves electrode implantation, also known as Stereotactic EEG (SEEG) or Depth Electrode Implantation.

This procedure involves the placement of thin electrodes into the brain to monitor electrical activity and pinpoint the exact location where seizures begin.

How electrode implantation works

The electrode implantation procedure involves several steps:.

Step 1: Presurgical Evaluation

Before the surgery, the team of specialized doctors evaluates the individual.

This evaluation includes EEG monitoring, neuropsychological testing, and imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) or single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).

The presurgical evaluation helps the doctors to determine whether the individual is a good candidate for electrode implantation. It also helps them identify the exact location and extent of the seizure focus and plan the surgical approach.

Step 2: Electrode Implantation

The actual electrode implantation procedure is carried out while the individual is under general anesthesia. A small hole is made in the skull, and electrodes are inserted through the hole and into specific areas of the brain.

The implantation is done in specific areas of the brain that have been identified as the source of seizures. These specific areas differ for each individual.

The electrodes are then secured to the scalp with a cap or bandage in order to ensure that they remain in place. Once the electrodes are in place, they are connected to a recording machine that monitors electrical activity in the brain.

Step 3: Recording and Analysis

The electrodes are left in place for several days to monitor brain activity during normal daily life and during seizure events. The data captured by the electrodes is used to help locate where the seizures are beginning in the brain.

Step 4: Removal of Electrodes

Once the electrodes have recorded the required data, they are removed. This involves a second surgical procedure that is similar to the initial surgery.

The data is analyzed to locate the exact location of the seizure focus and to plan for further treatment.

Benefits of Electrode Implantation

There are several benefits of undergoing electrode implantation:.

Improved Accuracy: Electrode implantation provides more accurate data than non-invasive tests like EEG and imaging studies. This allows for a more precise location of the seizure focus, which can lead to better surgical outcomes.
Customized Treatment: Each individual’s seizure focus is unique. Implantation of electrodes allows doctors to tailor treatment to each person’s specific needs.
Faster Recovery: Implantation is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that results in less scarring and a faster recovery than open brain surgery.
Reduced Risk: The risk of complications is lower with electrode implantation as compared to open brain surgery.

Risks of Electrode Implantation

Like any surgical procedure, implantation of electrodes carries some risks:.

Infection: There is a risk of infection at the site where the electrodes are inserted into the brain.
Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding during electrode insertion, which may require further surgery to correct.
Brain Damage: In rare cases, insertion of electrodes may cause damage to the brain.
Device Malfunction: There is a small risk that the electrodes may malfunction and require removal.

Conclusion

Electrode implantation is one form of epilepsy surgery that can provide more accurate data on the exact location and extent of the seizure focus.

This can lead to a more precise treatment plan and better surgical outcomes for individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy. However, like any surgical procedure, electrode implantation carries some risks that need to be weighed against the potential benefits.