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A patient with a suspected seizure failed to respond to drug therapy and reports unusual sensations and hallucinations. What could be the effective surgical treatment?

a. Vagus nerve stimulation
b. Corpus callosotomy
c. Resective surgery, such as lobectomy
d. Responsive neurostimulation

User Joaolvcm
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

For a patient with drug-resistant seizure activity and hallucinations, surgical options like vagus nerve stimulation, corpus callosotomy, resective surgeries (e.g., lobectomy), or responsive neurostimulation could be considered, with choice contingent upon individual examination results such as EEG or CT scans.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best surgical treatment for a patient with a suspected seizure who has failed to respond to drug therapy and experiences unusual sensations and hallucinations may include various options, depending on specifics about their condition as determined by neurological exams like the electroencephalography (EEG) or computerized tomography (CT) scan. Potential surgical treatments could include:

  • Vagus nerve stimulation: This is a procedure where a device is implanted under the skin to send regular, mild pulses of electrical energy to the brain via the vagus nerve.
  • Corpus callosotomy: This is a surgery that cuts the corpus callosum, which may prevent the spread of seizure activity between hemispheres, but could lead to 'split-brain' symptoms.
  • Resective surgery, such as a lobectomy: This involves the removal of the part of the brain where seizures originate.
  • Responsive neurostimulation: An implant that monitors brain activity and delivers electrical stimulation to specific areas when it detects patterns that could lead to a seizure.

Each surgery has its own risks and benefits, and the decision should be made on an individual basis, typically when all other treatments have failed to control the epilepsy.

User Honzajde
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