Epilepsy Surgery and Cognitive Outcome

Epilepsy Surgery and Cognition, Psychiatric Function and Quality of Life - Outcome 10 Years or More After Surgery

This study will give important information about long term consequences of temporal lobe epilepsy surgery on cognition (memory, language, concentration etc), psychiatric function and quality of life.

All patients in Norway who have undergone temporal lobe epilepsy surgery ten years ago or more, will be invited to participate. Two groups will be compared: patients who are younger than 50 years of age vs patients who are older than 50 years of age.

The aim of the study is to improve preoperative information to future epilepsy surgery patients, to aid medical personnel (doctors, psychologists) in the selection of patients for surgery, and to improve knowledge of need for long term follow-up and rehabilitation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Prior temporal lobe epilepsy surgery (10 years ago or more)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Intelligence quotient (IQ) less than 70
• Other main language than Norwegian