{"id":"953d1b61-0827-4eb4-bf9d-d8954288ceb5","slug":"epilepsy-needs-to-be-talked-about-who-wants-to-go-first-i-do","title":"Epilepsy needs to be talked about, who wants to go first? I do!","authors":["Ann Marie Gillie"],"abstract":"Background: The author recounts her personal journey with epilepsy, beginning with her first seizure at the age of three and the subsequent diagnosis. Despite initial paralysis and the challenges of living with epilepsy, she experienced a significant period of being seizure-free until her seizures returned at age 20. Methods: The author sought a second opinion from a new neurologist after years of medication management. Following extensive testing, including a week of monitoring with electrodes, she was diagnosed with Mesial Temporal Sclerosis and qualified for surgery. Results: The surgical procedure, Left Selective Amygdalohippocampectomy, was performed successfully, and the author experienced a range of postoperative effects, including temporary memory loss and depression. She documented her experiences in a journal, which later became a published book. Conclusion: The author emphasizes the importance of discussing epilepsy and the impact of surgical intervention on her life. She advocates for awareness of the psychological effects following neurosurgery and the value of seeking help. Keywords: epilepsy, neurosurgery, Mesial Temporal Sclerosis, patient experience, depression, surgery outcomes, seizures, personal narrative","thumbnailUrl":null,"publishDate":"2014-05-08T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.4103/2152-7806.132140","categories":["Original Article"],"fullTextUrl":"https://surgicalneurologyint.com/api/articles/953d1b61-0827-4eb4-bf9d-d8954288ceb5/pdf"}