Epilepsy Surgery at Town Hospital — First SEEG in Egypt

Epilepsy Surgery at Town Hospital

The first hospital in Egypt to perform stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) — complete epilepsy care, from precise diagnosis through surgery and follow-up.

A first for Egypt: the country’s first SEEG procedure

In November 2025, the Town Hospital team performed the first procedure using SEEG in Egypt, in a collaboration between Egyptian and Indian specialists:

• Dr Nitchan — Epilepsy Surgery Consultant (India)
• Dr Ahmed El-Qeai — Paediatric Epilepsy Consultant

What is SEEG?

Stereoelectroencephalography (Stereo-EEG) is a precise method for locating the area of the brain responsible for seizures. Very fine electrodes are placed so that electrical activity is recorded from inside the brain itself, rather than from the surface of the scalp.

That distinction matters. A conventional EEG records through the scalp, which is sometimes not enough to pinpoint where a seizure begins. SEEG records at the source, helping the team plan surgery more safely and accurately — particularly in drug-resistant epilepsy.

The patient journey, step by step

1. Initial assessment: a detailed review of your seizure history with an epilepsy physician, along with any previous tests and medications.
2. Non-surgical diagnostics: prolonged video EEG, high-resolution MRI, and further tests as the case requires.
3. Team discussion: the case is reviewed jointly by neurosurgery, epilepsy and radiology to decide whether surgery is appropriate.
4. SEEG where needed: if the seizure source is still unclear, electrodes are placed and electrical activity is monitored over several days in hospital.
5. Surgery: if the source is precisely identified and intervention is considered safe, options are planned and discussed with the patient and family.
6. Follow-up: regular review after surgery to assess response and adjust the treatment plan.

Who is a candidate for epilepsy surgery?

• People with drug-resistant epilepsy — seizures continuing despite medication taken consistently under medical supervision.
• Cases where seizures arise from a specific, identifiable area.
• Children and adults, following a full assessment by a specialist epilepsy team.

Not everyone with epilepsy needs surgery, and most cases are controlled with medication. The decision follows a complete medical assessment, and only your doctor can determine what is right for your case.

When to go to the emergency department immediately

• A seizure lasting more than five minutes, or repeated seizures without regaining consciousness in between.
• Difficulty breathing, or a bluish colour, during or after a seizure.
• A head injury during a seizure, or a first-ever seizure.
• Failure to regain consciousness normally after the seizure ends.

Town Hospital’s emergency department is open 24 hours.

Why Town Hospital for epilepsy?

Frequently Asked Questions

Does epilepsy surgery cure the condition permanently?

Outcomes vary by case, depending on the type of epilepsy and where the seizures originate. The aim of surgery is to reduce or control seizures, and the team explains what can realistically be expected for your specific case before any decision is made.

Is SEEG safe?

SEEG is a precise procedure, planned in advance with imaging and carried out by a specialist team. Like any surgical procedure it carries potential risks, which the team discusses in detail with the patient and family beforehand.

Can children have epilepsy surgery?

Yes. Paediatric epilepsy assessment is a core part of the programme and is carried out by a consultant specialising in childhood epilepsy. Timing and suitability depend on a full assessment of the individual case.

Should I stop my medication before the assessment?

No — never change or stop any medication on your own. Any adjustment is made only on the instruction of your treating doctor, because stopping suddenly can cause complications.

What should I bring to the first visit?

Any previous EEG or MRI results, a list of current medications, and a written description of the seizures (when they happen, how long they last, what they look like). A video of a seizure, if you have one, is genuinely helpful to the doctor.

Neurosurgery consultation

If you need a surgical opinion on epilepsy or any neurological condition, you can book with Dr Ahmed El Ghannam, Neurosurgery Consultant at Town Hospital, or with the wider neurosurgery team.

Looking for a specialist opinion on epilepsy?

Book a consultation with the epilepsy surgery team at Town Hospital.