Stefan was just 12 years old when he was referred to the Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine in Linz to better clarify his epilepsy and organize treatment. At that time, he suffered epileptic seizures on a daily basis and was often admitted as an in-patient. On account of his frequent seizures, Stefan could no longer go to school, his mother could no longer work as she had to constantly be with him, and the fear of constant seizures resulted in rarely leaving home. During an evaluation at the teaching hospital, his epilepsy was diagnosed as focal cortical dysplasia (meaning seizures originating from a single area in the brain) in the left frontal lobe and doctors were able to perform epilepsy surgery in November of 2020. Stefan has been seizure-free since then, and his medication is also being reduced. He has been going to school again and he is also currently looking for an apprenticeship position in retail.

Avoiding Chronic Illness
Childhood-onset epilepsy not only often results in impaired cognitive development, the long-term prognosis is poor, particularly if the seizure frequency is high. Whereas up to 60% of patient who take an antiepileptic drug become seizure-free, around 40% of children will require a second antiepileptic drug. "Therapy-refractory" epilepsy refers to unsuccessfully treating the patient’s seizures, even if the medications are carefully chosen and well-dosed.

Parents of these children can opt for epilepsy surgery. Priv. Doz. Dr. Gudrun Gröppel, a senior physician at the Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine and a researcher at the Johannes Kepler University, explained: "The prerequisite is focal epilepsy, in which the seizure origin is located in only one area of the brain. Beforehand, we have to make sure that no so-called eloquent area, such as speech or motor function, is situated at this location." 

If the surgery is successful, patients can live a seizure-free life and greatly improve their cognitive/motor development, thereby reducing the risk of injury and being able to lead a normal life. Those who are not candidates for this type of surgery have other options. Univ. Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Högler, head of the Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, added: "Our center is able to offer a full range of pre-surgical evaluation services, including EEG recordings with implanted electrodes and various surgical techniques."