Wednesday, March 30, 2011

New stereo-EEG method can detect epileptic foci during surgeries
Published on March 30, 2011 at 6:50 AM

The neurosurgery department of HUCH (Helsinki University Central Hospital) has started to utilize stereo-EEG method for localizing the epileptic focus in severe epilepsy for epilepsy surgery purposes. The department is also getting ready to introduce the so-called deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy in the treatment of epilepsy. The first two stereo-EEG explorations in Finland were carried out by neurosurgeons of the Epilepsy surgery team in Helsinki University Central Hospital this spring. The method reinforces other examination methods already in use and opens an excellent opportunity in the exploration of the electric activity of both the surface and the deep brain structures during epileptic seizures. The examination also enables exact localization of the functionally important areas of the brain and improves safety of epilepsy surgery at a later stage. The stereo-EEG examination was developed already in the 1960's, but the recent modifications of the method in the last few years have made it safer and more feasible. The introduction of the method at HUCH benefits particularly patients with severe, drug resistant epilepsy.

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