Selecting patients for epilepsy surgery: synthesis of data.

The consideration of epilepsy surgery for those with medically refractory seizure disorders requires a well-functioning multidisciplinary team and a systematic approach to investigations, with the aim of advising patients of their chances of being seizure free following surgery, and the risks of any procedure. Investigatory pathways may be outlined that cover most clinical situations, and the indications for invasive EEG studies. It is crucial that patients and their families are given realistic expectations of what may, and may not, be achieved with surgical treatment, and that long-term follow-up is maintained post-operatively.