ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to collect data through the Epilepsy Surgery Commission of the Turkish Epilepsy Society to obtain a comprehensive assessment of the status of epilepsy patients in Turkey, to identify the existing infrastructure-service potential of video-electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring (VEM) centers and epilepsy surgery, to initiate standardization activities, to create awareness of the data, and to ensure that the necessary precautions are taken by the health authorities.

Two separate data collection forms were prepared, including VEM and surgical details. The forms were sent to all university hospitals, training and research hospitals, and adult neurology specialists in private centers, via e-mail, through the Turkish Epilepsy Society. This was a volunteer-based questionnaire, and centers were included in the study based on e-mail feedback. Data collected from June to November 2015 were included in the study.

The study included 32 VEM centers (28 centers still active ) and 14 epilepsy surgery centers (12 centers still active ). In total, 20,000 patients in our country participated in VEM during the study period. Of those, 1833 patients underwent resective surgery (1606 scalp examinations, 227 invasive examinations), and 321 patients had vagal nerve stimulation treatment.

This study, which reveals the reality in our country, demonstrates that, optimistically, only 5% of the target audience for epilepsy surgery is reached. Raising awareness is necessary to identify patients with resistant epilepsy, and to promote referral to suitable centers and access to treatment, appropriate health care policies, and support for the necessary tools and working conditions at epilepsy centers.

Keywords: Epilepsy, epilepsy surgery, video-electroencephalogram