Temporal Lobectomy Cost in United Arab Emirates

The cost of temporal lobectomy in the UAE typically ranges from $18,000 to $50,000 USD, depending on the hospital, city, and type of procedure.

A temporal lobectomy removes the part of the temporal lobe where seizures begin. It is the most common operation for epilepsy that does not respond to medicines. In the UAE, the cost depends on:

• Pre-surgical assessment: video EEG, MRI, PET or SPECT and memory testing.
• Invasive EEG: if electrodes are needed to locate the seizure focus.
• Surgery and intensive care: the operation itself.
• Follow-up: neurology and medicine reviews.

Epilepsy Action says surgery is considered once two or more epilepsy medicines have failed to control seizures. Assessment can take months and includes five to seven days of video EEG, MRI and neuropsychology tests.

Epilepsy Action reports that around half of people who have temporal lobe surgery become seizure-free and can gradually stop their medicines; others have fewer or milder seizures. Having a seizure after surgery does not necessarily mean the operation has failed.

Memory can worsen after temporal lobe surgery, and word-finding problems can follow surgery on the left side. Low mood can also occur. Epilepsy Action gives about five days in hospital and two to three months off work.

Epilepsy surgery is planned well in advance and needs insurer prior approval in the UAE.