[Temporal pole encephalocele, a surgical treatable cause of drug-resistant epilepsy].

Abstract

INTRODUCTION\nEncephaloceles are herniation of brain parenchyma through a bony skull defect that can cause drug-resistant epilepsy. In these cases, a surgical approach should be considered.\n\n\nCASE REPORT\n38-year-old man with drug-resistant epilepsy and 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging performed with no relevant findings. After video-electroencephalogram, 3 T magnetic resonance imaging and F-18-fluoro-deoxy-glucose positron emission tomography, a right temporal encephalocele was confirmed. A right temporal polar resection was performed four years ago and the patient remains seizure-free.\n\n\nDISCUSSION\nAnterior temporal encephaloceles are an underdiagnosed cause of epilepsy, and a 3 T magnetic resonance imaging reviewed by an epilepsy expert radiologists is key to diagnosis.\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nIn drug-resistant cases with presurgical evaluation compatible with the location, surgical treatment must be considered.