Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Conference 2026

Families are often told their child needs neuropsychological testing as part of an epilepsy surgery evaluation, but many are unsure what the testing actually measures, how the results are used, or what they should expect to learn from it.

This session pulls back the curtain on the role of neuropsychology in the lead-up to surgery. Dr. Rosalia Costello will explain, in plain language, how these assessments help the surgical team "map" a child’s cognitive strengths and risks, and how that data informs the final surgical decision. The session will also address what families can realistically expect in the immediate period following surgery and what testing can and cannot predict about a child's cognitive trajectory.

A parent or young adult will join the conversation to share their firsthand experience navigating the evaluation process and using the results to make informed choices. Together, this panel will help families understand why this testing matters, what questions to ask, and how to find clarity during an often-overwhelming time.