1
Open resection
Removing the area where seizures start
What it is: A surgeon opens the skull and removes the brain area that causes seizures. A lobectomy removes part of one brain lobe.
When it may be used: It may be an option when seizures start in one clear area that doctors can remove safely.
Main goal: To stop seizures or reduce how often they happen.
Learn more from the Epilepsy Foundation →
2
Laser ablation (LITT)
Treating a small area with heat from a laser
What it is: A thin laser probe goes into the brain. MRI helps the team find the right spot. Heat from the laser treats the tissue that causes seizures.
When it may be used: It may help when seizures come from a small, well-defined area.
Main goal: To treat the seizure source through a small opening.
Learn more from the Epilepsy Foundation →
3
Stereotactic radiosurgery
Treating the seizure area with focused radiation
What it is: Radiation beams are aimed at a small target in the brain. The skull does not need to be opened. Gamma Knife and CyberKnife are two systems that can do this.
When it may be used: It may be an option when doctors can target the seizure area very closely.
Main goal: To treat the tissue causing seizures while limiting radiation to nearby areas.
Learn more from the Epilepsy Foundation →
4
Deep brain stimulation (DBS)
Sending regular electrical signals to the brain
What it is: A surgeon places thin wires in a deep part of the brain. A small device under the skin of the chest sends signals through the wires.
When it may be used: It may be an option when seizures are hard to control and the seizure area cannot be removed safely.
Main goal: To reduce seizures by changing brain signals.
Learn more from the Epilepsy Foundation →
5
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)
Sending electrical signals through a nerve in the neck
What it is: A small device is placed under the skin of the chest. A wire joins it to a nerve in the neck called the vagus nerve. The device sends small signals at set times.
When it may be used: It may be an option when medicines do not control seizures and other surgery is not a good choice.
Main goal: To reduce how often seizures happen or how severe they are.
Learn more from the Epilepsy Foundation →
6
Radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RF-TC)
Treating a small seizure area with heat
What it is: A doctor uses a thin wire in the brain to heat a small area linked to seizures. Sometimes the same wires used to find where seizures start can give this treatment.
When it may be used: It may be an option when doctors can find and safely reach a small seizure area.
Main goal: To reduce seizures by treating the tissue where they begin.
7
Responsive neurostimulation (RNS)
A device that detects and responds to seizure activity
What it is: A device watches brain signals. When it finds unusual activity, it sends a small electrical pulse to the seizure area.
When it may be used: It may help some people with focal seizures when the seizure area cannot be removed safely or other surgery has not worked.
Main goal: To reduce seizures by responding when abnormal brain activity begins.
Learn more from the Epilepsy Foundation →
8
MRI-guided focused ultrasound
Using focused sound waves to heat a small brain target
What it is: Focused ultrasound sends sound waves to one small spot in the brain. The waves can heat and treat a small amount of tissue. MRI helps the team guide the treatment.
For epilepsy: Doctors are still studying this treatment for epilepsy. It is not a standard option for most people.
Main goal: Researchers are studying whether it can treat seizure areas without open surgery.
