In children with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), the survival rate was highest after cranial epilepsy surgery and lowest when given anti-seizure medications. 

The long-term survival of children with DRE treated with medicine alone, vagus nerve stimulation and medication, and cranial epilepsy surgery and medication were all examined for the first time in this thorough, retrospective study. 

The risk of early mortality decreased by more than 80% following surgery and by 40% following vagus nerve stimulation compared to medication-only therapy. Comparing those with epilepsy to those of similar ages, those with epilepsy have higher mortality rates. The study underscores the significance of the multidisciplinary team approach to treating epilepsy and offers crucial evidence for healthcare decision-making for pediatric patients with DRE.

However, less than 1% of DRE patients of all ages are sent to comprehensive epilepsy centers.

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Institute of Medicine, between 100,000 and 200,000 persons do not get the proper epilepsy surgery which would benefit them.

Inequalities in access to epilepsy surgery were discovered, with white, privately insured children more likely to undergo surgical treatment. Children with drug-resistant epilepsy should be evaluated for all available treatment options, with increased consideration given to their candidature for cranial epilepsy surgery or neurostimulation, such as vagus nerve stimulation, according to data from the Childrens Hospital Associations Paediatric Health Information System (PHIS). 

Experts stated that to treat pediatric epilepsy more effectively and with more significant health equality, better investigation and studying more complex causes are necessary.

(Source:https://theprint.in/science/children-with-drug-resistant-epilepsy-survive-longer-after-cranial-surgery-study/1612056/)