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Has anyone had to deal with an unsuccessful temporal lobe resection?

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Ashland, OH

I randomly and for no apparent reason, started having seizures in 2019, at the age of 37. I tried several meds before they suggested surgery. Instead of possible risks or complications, I heard "this will fix everything". (My wife has verified this is not what they said but what I wanted to hear).

I had surgery on my right temporal lobe in March of 2023. In November of 2024, not quite 2 years seizure free, they returned. Yes, I am having fewer seizures but when I do, they are more serious than… read more

October 30, 2025
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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Yes yes yes! They basically ruined my life I see your in ohio Cleveland clinic basically saved my life. So I went to a local hospital to me with this surgeon who is glorified in the Pittsburgh area and they missed my seizure focus completely before I even left I started having different severe seizures and they only became even more frequent happening a minimum of once a week I've had epilepsy a long time and never once turned blue during a seizure until that surgery than the surgeon there tried telling me he didn't think these were seizures until I did a stay in the emu and there was one doctor there who was just as concerned about my life as my family and I and referred me to Cleveland clinic so this glorified surgeon removed almost all of my temporal lobe except for the basal and posterior temporal lobe which Cleveland clinic was able to find being the focus after they did 1 sEEG for now they have just changed my medication and it seems like it's getting better. It's been almost 2 years and I still cry about this I lost my job because of it I lost my license because of it I'm literally undergoing therapy for PTSD caused by this I refuse to go to that hospital at all I get sick and get ready to have a mental breakdown anytime I see it and unfortunately being in Pittsburgh it's everywhere

May 26 (edited)
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Can't help you. Mine was on the left and it was successful.

October 30, 2025
MyEpilepsyTeam

Has anyone dealt with seizures returning after temporal lobe surgery, and concerns about memory with additional procedures?

It's understandable to feel torn about another surgery, especially when seizures have returned after nearly two years of being seizure-free. Unfortunately, temporal lobectomy doesn't always result in Show Full Answer

Has anyone dealt with seizures returning after temporal lobe surgery, and concerns about memory with additional procedures?

It's understandable to feel torn about another surgery, especially when seizures have returned after nearly two years of being seizure-free. Unfortunately, temporal lobectomy doesn't always result in complete, permanent seizure freedom for everyone.

Research shows that while temporal lobectomy is the most frequently performed epilepsy surgery with the highest success rate, outcomes vary. Some studies found seizure freedom rates between 43 percent and 75 percent after surgery.

A MyEpilepsyTeam member shared a similar experience: "Have suffered from Temporal Lobe Epilepsy since 1985. From having seizures almost daily as a teenager, after 2 brain operations, I now have one a month...if that....and only nocturnal. Have never suffered from depression but definitely suffer from short-term memory issues since the surgery." Regarding memory concerns with additional surgery, studies show mixed results. Research found that children with temporal lobe epilepsy who had surgery showed:

- Improved attention and working memory scores
- Better performance on some verbal memory tasks
- Better naming-test results
- However, those with right temporal lobe surgery had worse visual memory results

The challenge you're facing is real - it's difficult to pinpoint whether memory issues stem from prior seizures, the first surgery, or medication side effects. This is something to discuss thoroughly with your neurosurgical team.

The SEEG evaluation helps doctors accurately identify where seizures are coming from, which is crucial for planning any future treatment. Having a well-defined seizure focus significantly improves the chances of successful outcomes.

October 30, 2025

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