Madeleine's Multiple Subpial Transections Surgery
to treat Epileptic Regression Syndrome
Multiple Subpial Transections
Multiple Subpial Transections refers to vertical cuts being made through a region of the brain with a seizure focus. Approximately 3/8" of brain must simultaneously discharge to generate a seizure. Nerve fibers which run horizontally through the brain's surface connect the critical mass of brain tissue responsible for initiating the seizure. Nerve fibers which connect the brain with the body run in a vertical direction. Thus, vertical cuts through the brain will transect the fibers important for generating a seizure without disrupting many of the nerve fibers important to the brain's function, since these fibers run parallel to the direction of the cut. Cuts are made every 1/4" so that not enough brain tissue is interconnected to generate a seizure.