Hemispherotomy for drug-resistant epilepsy in bilateral Sturge-Weber syndrome: illustrative cases.
Groundbreaking surgery offers hope for children with drug-resistant epilepsy in bilateral Sturge-Weber syndrome, a rare condition. Unilateral hemispherotomy, once deemed unsuitable, can now provide prolonged seizure freedom and improved quality of life.
This case series explores the use of unilateral hemispherotomy, a surgical procedure, to treat drug-resistant epilepsy in children with bilateral Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS). Researchers presented the cases of 4 children aged 7 months to 2 years, all with bilateral SWS and drug-resistant epilepsy but a unilateral electroencephalography predominance. After a multidisciplinary evaluation, the children underwent successful unilateral hemispherotomy, achieving prolonged seizure freedom, better quality of life, and improved developmental progress. This study suggests that functional hemispherotomy may be a safe and effective treatment option for patients with bilateral drug-resistant SWS, challenging the traditional view that resective surgery is not suitable for this condition.