Temporal Lobe Surgery

• Your brain’s temporal lobes are located on either side of the head, above your ears. 
   
• Seizures often begin in the temporal lobe -- this is called temporal lobe epilepsy.
   
• The temporal lobes are involved in functions like language and memory.
   
• Surgical removal or laser treatment of temporal lobe tissue can be highly effective as an epilepsy treatment. Up to two-thirds of people experience seizure freedom, and those who still have seizures often experience reduced seizure frequency.
   
• Temporal lobe surgeries carry a low risk of infection, stroke, and leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (fluid that surrounds the brain).

Children and adults undergo a thorough surgical evaluation before a treatment is recommended. Learn more about:

• Pediatric epilepsy surgery evaluation
• Adult epilepsy surgery evaluation

Duke neurosurgeons are expertly equipped to perform temporal lobe surgery using a traditional open approach or minimally invasive laser approach. We listen to you and work as a team to choose your best option and minimize any impact on brain function.

Temporal Lobectomy
A neurosurgeon performs a craniotomy, which creates an opening in the skull to reach and remove a portion of the temporal lobe, usually the anterior (front) section.

To limit potential loss of function, doctors may remove a smaller section of the temporal lobe if your seizure focus is especially compact. Doctors call this a “limited temporal resection.”

After surgery, you’ll stay in the hospital for a few days. Most people return to normal activities in about six weeks.

Minimally Invasive Approach with Laser Ablation
A neurosurgeon drills one or two small holes, about the diameter of a pencil, into the skull. Using MRI guidance, a laser probe is passed through the holes to target and eliminate the brain tissue that initiates seizure activity.

This type of laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) may reduce your post-surgical hospital stay and speed recovery.