Neuropsychiatric Assessment Before and After Epilepsy Surgery: A Descriptive Study in Patients of the National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery Manuel Velasco Suárez.

Abstract

Background: The relationship between epilepsy and psychiatric disorders is complex and is influenced by biological and psychological factors and social determinants. There is evidence that psychiatric disorders are more common in patients with epilepsy compared to the general population. The impact of epilepsy surgery on psychiatric comorbidity is less clear, and patients who are candidates for epilepsy surgery should undergo several investigations, including a longitudinal psychiatric diagnosis before and after as part of the evaluation of the potential success of the surgery.

Objective: The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in patients undergoing epilepsy surgery before and after the surgical intervention.

Methodology: We analyzed the data of 95 patients who underwent epilepsy surgery at the National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery (Mexico) between 2006 and 2012 and who were assessed by psychiatry before and after the surgery.

Results: There were no significant differences in the prevalence of psychiatric disorders before and after epilepsy surgery (odds ratio (OR): 1.371 (0.760-2.473), p = 0.294).

Conclusion: Our results are consistent with those previously reported in the medical literature. Epilepsy surgery is a procedure that requires a multidisciplinary approach, and all patients undergoing the procedure should receive a longitudinal follow-up by psychiatry.