Paediatric intractable epilepsy syndromes: changing concepts in diagnosis and management.

Epilepsy surgery for drug-resistant childhood epilepsy is not new. However, brain imaging, surgical and anaesthetic techniques have improved to the extent that they are now as much safer and realistic option than they were in the past. Further, the range of surgical candidates is wide, and previous concepts about likely surgical candidates are now challenged as children with previously thought widespread or apparent multifocal disease are evaluated. Outcomes for seizure freedom range from 40 to 80 % depending on the underlying aetiology and the extent of resection. However, the aims of surgery may include seizure reduction in some and improvement in neurodevelopment and behaviour in others, which are less -predictable. Epilepsy surgery in children is no longer a last resort. Children thought to be likely candidates should be evaluated early in their natural history to optimise outcomes in the long term.