It is likely that epilepsy surgery or other treatments may require recovery and rehabilitation after the procedure. In addition to speech, physical or occupational therapy, neuropsychological rehabilitation may also be necessary.
If your treatment has relieved you of seizures, your life will change in terms of dependency on others, especially if you’ve had epilepsy since childhood. On the other hand, if your seizures are not cured after surgery, you may experience emotional depression.
At Barnes-Jewish Hospital, our experts in epilepsy recovery and rehabilitation are here to help with every aspect. Our providers will assist you in transitioning and functioning as an independent adult and living a normal life without fear of seizures, or continuing to find an effective treatment option.
Neuropsychological Rehabilitation After Epilepsy Surgery
Post epilepsy surgery, there are three elements to consider during recovery and rehabilitation:
- Immediate postoperative and follow-up care
- Recovery from deficits caused by removed brain tissue
- Life with seizures
These issues are addressed at our neuropsychology clinic. In addition, Barnes-Jewish has two neuropsychologists who have openings every week reserved specifically for epilepsy patients. Our patients are screened psychologically before receiving epilepsy surgery, so you will meet with a neuropsychologists before and after your procedure. This evaluation may be part of your treatment plan if you are diagnosed with epilepsy in our epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU).
It is important to understand that surgery may help your seizures, but everything doesn’t change instantly after surgery. Our neurology team is highly experienced in epilepsy treatment and sees about 360 patients every year. We consider your recovery and rehabilitation when recommending surgery, and provide an exceptional level of care every step of the way.
To make an appointment with a Washington University epileptologist, neurologist or neurosurgeon at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, call 855.925.0631.