Epilepsy surgery can stop seizures or improve seizure control for many children with epilepsy, yet it remains underused. We use decision analysis, health economic modeling, and observational approaches to ask which treatments offer the most value for patients, families, and health systems.
Comparing surgical approaches
For many children, surgery can be done through open resection or minimally invasive laser ablation (MRgLITT). We build decision models that weigh seizure freedom, complications, quality of life, and cost to guide which approach fits which patient.
For many children, surgery can be done through open resection or minimally invasive laser ablation (MRgLITT). We build decision models that weigh seizure freedom, complications, quality of life, and cost to guide which approach fits which patient.
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Decision Model Comparing Medical Management, Resection, and Laser Ablation for Focal Epilepsy
The cost of waiting
Drug-resistant epilepsy often goes years before surgery is considered. We model the long-term health and economic effects of surgery versus continued medications to show what delayed referral costs children, families, and health systems.
Drug-resistant epilepsy often goes years before surgery is considered. We model the long-term health and economic effects of surgery versus continued medications to show what delayed referral costs children, families, and health systems.
Where research matters most
Where is uncertainty greatest, and which studies would change practice most? Using probabilistic sensitivity analysis and value-of-information analysis, we identify the evidence gaps in pediatric epilepsy surgery that matter most, helping target future trials and research funding.
Where is uncertainty greatest, and which studies would change practice most? Using probabilistic sensitivity analysis and value-of-information analysis, we identify the evidence gaps in pediatric epilepsy surgery that matter most, helping target future trials and research funding.
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Probabilistic sensitivity analysis of open resection and laser ablation for focal epilepsy