Between Fear and Hope: How Parents Experience the Decision-Making Process About Surgery for Their Child's Epilepsy - A Qualitative Study

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases of childhood. In treatment-resistant epilepsies, freedom from seizure can be achieved through epilepsy surgery. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the experience of parental decision-making for their children's epilepsy surgery. Nine interviews were conducted and analyzed using inductive content analysis. The results reflect the process-based character of decision-making. The incriminating time of dealing with the option as well as the chances and risks of a surgery follow a further incriminating phase following consent: Living with the decision has to be managed until the surgery date arrives. The entire decision-making process until the day of surgery is characterized by uncertainty and highlights the needs of the parents for professional support which should be taken into consideration.