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Real members of MyEpilepsyTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Pittsburgh, PA

I had 2 resections at a different hospital after an sEEG there and the seizures got worse and I was actually referred somewhere else they did an sEEG and then recommended another resection I expressed my concerns and told them I'm afraid of another resection after the last 2 and it seemed like my neurologist there got mad at me responding with "than why'd you let us do another sEEG?" "All surgeries are going to include us cutting into you" than I had a follow up with the neurosurgeon I saw who… read more

October 28, 2025 (edited)
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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I fired my first neurology team for being dismissive and how they waffled back and forth about my questions regarding what deficits I might face as a result of a resection. I went with an epileptologist and haven't regretted it. No surgery needed, seizure-free since 2019.

Imagine if you hired a professional tile company to install a backsplash for your kitchen remodel. Your suggestions are dismissed, and once the issue is pressed you get an argument, or a passive aggressive attitude instead of answers to your questions. It's YOUR kitchen, it should be YOUR call! Sure, my mind can be changed given a reason that makes sense, but this "We're going to do this my way" from a contractor is something I won't accept.

I view doctors as medical contractors that are collecting my money for a professional service, just like the tile guy, but with much higher stakes. It's MY health! It's MY call! Proper answers to legitimate concerns are what I want. How else can I make an informed decision about something of this magnitude? Anything less and you're fired. They can get their Maserati payment from someone else.

October 28, 2025
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

No

October 28, 2025
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

There has been disagreements when speaking with neurologists about certain issues as I did not wish to make journey down the same rabbit hole as they. I took the time to listen to what they would like to do then proceeded to state how I felt if we moved forward going that direction. There were times the conversation has gotten frustrated on my part for not fully understanding the outcome at the end. There were other times of difficulty for the neurologist to view my point due to how I can't always explain things in exact detail.

October 28, 2025
MyEpilepsyTeam

Has anyone felt their neurologist/neurosurgeon gave up on them after declining additional surgery?

It's completely understandable to feel hesitant about a third resection, especially after two previous surgeries didn't achieve the results you hoped for. Your concerns are valid, and you deserve compassionate care that Show Full Answer

Has anyone felt their neurologist/neurosurgeon gave up on them after declining additional surgery?

It's completely understandable to feel hesitant about a third resection, especially after two previous surgeries didn't achieve the results you hoped for. Your concerns are valid, and you deserve compassionate care that respects your feelings.

What you experienced sounds really frustrating and dismissive. You have every right to express concerns about another surgery, and your medical team should work with you to explore all options rather than react negatively to your hesitation.

Surgery isn't the only treatment path for medication-refractory epilepsy. There are other options worth discussing:

- Different surgical approaches (like neuromodulation devices)
- Additional anti-seizure medication combinations
- Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)
- Other minimally invasive procedures

You're empowered to seek a second opinion or find an epilepsy center where providers will listen to your concerns and work collaboratively with you. A good medical team should respect your autonomy and help you understand all available options without pressure.

Members on MyEpilepsyTeam have shared similar experiences of feeling dismissed, and many found better support by advocating for themselves and seeking providers who truly partnered with them in their care decisions.

October 28, 2025
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

My epilepsy is non surgical but I do feel that my neurologist didn’t listen and simply wanted to push pills on me. I have a more holistic philosophy and it was just dismissed as “you are going against my advice so I don’t need to see you”. I believe in healthy eating, exercise, stress management, acupuncture and all my doctor wanted is to drug me as if that’s the only option. I am now 20 months seizure free and 8 month medication free. I respect my medical team but I don’t think they realize the toll that side effects of these medications take on quality of life.

November 12, 2025

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