Brain tumor-related epilepsy

Abstract

Epileptic seizures often develop in patients with a brain tumor (40-100%), and approximately 30% of patients are drug-resistant even after resection. The incidence is higher in low-grade glial tumors located in the frontal and temporo-insular regions. Management of brain tumor-related epilepsy involves the use of anti-seizure medications, surgical resection, and adjuvant chemoradiation. Gross-total tumor resection, including the peritumoral epileptogenic zone, provides the highest chance of seizure freedom. Intraoperative electrocorticography is being increasingly utilized to identify the location and limits of the epileptogenic zone, guide the extent of resection, and map eloquent cortex during brain tumor surgeries.