Neuropsychological Assessments in Surgery for Epilepsy in Iran: Current State and Future Direction

There are variable indications, protocols, and paradigms for the assessment of patients with epilepsy who are candidates for epilepsy surgery. However, the general principles of neuropsychological examination in patients with epilepsy should be consistent with what was proposed by ILAE. With this compliance, we can achieve a minimum standard of evaluations for the assessments before and after surgery for epilepsy. In addition, it would lead to homogeneity of the gathered information. By large amount of available data, which will be collected with the same manner, we can encourage high quality research in neuropsychology of epilepsy. In addition, it will lead to interdisciplinary research, better understanding of brain function, and improved quality of life after epilepsy surgery. Despite the recent emergence of comprehensive epilepsy centers in Iran with high quality of electrophysiological studies, neuroimaging and neurosurgery; standardization of neuropsychological studies has been increasingly needed. In this presentation, I will explain the current state of affairs and the future needs of this discipline in relation to the surgery for epilepsy.

Keywords:

Neuropsychology , Epilepsy surgery , Comprehensive epilepsy program