Potential delays in referral and assessment for epilepsy surgery in children with drug-resistant, early-onset epilepsy

Abstract

Objective: To study potential delays in epilepsy surgery in children with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) of early-onset. Methods: Medical records were reviewed from 87 children with DRE and seizure onset before age 3 years who underwent epilepsy surgery between 2006 and 2015. Information was obtained about each child's epilepsy, treatment and specific time points in management. Time intervals along diagnostic, investigative, treatment and referral pathways were calculated. Results: Median ages at seizure onset, when seen in the epilepsy surgery program and surgery were 5.9 (IQR 10), 19 (IQR 29) and 36 (IQR 67) months; the median delay from seizure onset to surgery was 30 (IQR 67) months. Most..