All Things Brain Health: Epilepsy Surgery: How One Brain Procedure Stopped Years of Seizures

Kansas City, KS- Tony Wild spent years living with seizures which eventually became resistant to medication, limiting his independence and everyday life. After extensive testing, doctors at The University of Kansas Health System performed a temporal lobe resection on the non-dominant side of his brain, reducing the risk to language and memory. The surgery gave Tony a strong chance at seizure freedom. Today, he is recovering well and seeing improvements in memory. His story also highlights the importance of early surgical evaluation for epilepsy and how donated brain tissue can help advance future research. Tony Wild, Patient Tony shares his experience of living with seizures while in high school, which affected his ability to drive and socialize. He emphasizes the importance of seeking help and utilizing available programs to manage epilepsy. Dr. Carol Ulloa, Epilepsy Neurologist, The University of Kansas Health System Dr. Carol Ulloa explains the location and functions of the temporal lobe, emphasizing its role in language and memory. She discusses the importance of tissue donation for research and the potential for patients to outgrow seizures. Dr. Jennifer Cheng, Neurosurgeon, The University of Kansas Health System Dr. Cheng referenced photo on the screen: thin wires implanted into Tony’s brain. This was to determine where the seizures come from. She explains Tony's candidacy for a temporal lobe resection, noting that the seizures originated in his non-dominant right side, reducing the risk to language functions.