Editorial [ Hot Topic: Recent Advances in Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery (Guest Editor: Batool F. Kirmani)]

Epilepsy surgery has become the major intervention for children as well as adults with pharmacologically resistant epilepsy. Drug resistant epilepsy is defined as failure of appropriate trials of two anticonvulsants which are appropriately chosen depending on the type of epilepsy and adequately prescribed for a reasonable length of time failed to achieve good seizure control [1]. Patients with lesion on their MRI and who have 2 to 3 anticonvulsants are less likely to respond to new pharmacological treatment. Since the last decade advances in technology and clearer identification of seizure focus leading to complete resection have tremendously improved outcomes especially in patients with identifiable lesions on MRI Brain [2, 3]. In this modern era, parents and clinicians should not see surgery as a last resort treatment [4]. Recent research has showed that more pediatric epilepsy patients are becoming seizure free after surgery. In fact, the data from the epilepsy centers support earlier surgical treatment results showing improved outcomes and children leading relatively normal lives [5]. The present series will provide the review up-to-date information of the readers about pediatric epilepsy, treatment options and about the recent advances in the field of pediatric epilepsy including the surgical treatment.