TC-99M HMPAO BRAIN SPECT AND OUTCOME OF HEMISPHERECTOMY FOR INTRACTABLE SEIZURES

With recent descriptions of the modified hemispherectomies and hemicor ticectomy, there has been renewed interest in hemispherectomy for trea tment of intractable seizures with hemiparesis. Because long-term outc ome remains uncertain, patient selection remains difficult. Tc-99m-HmP AO brain SPECT has been a helpful adjunct in the evaluation of epileps y surgery candidates. We report SPECT scan findings in 7 patients who underwent hemispherectomy and compare these results with scalp EEG fin dings. Six patients had unilateral SPECT findings and all had a favora ble outcome, regardless of surface EEG findings.