The Hospital de Especialidades Guayaquil “Dr. Abel Gilbert Pontón,” part of the Ministry of Public Health, reported favorable outcomes for patients with epilepsy who have undergone surgery at the facility. The announcement coincides with International Epilepsy Day, observed annually on February 10.
Epilepsy affects about 1% of the population. In Guayaquil, it is estimated that more than 30,000 people live with this condition, and around 9,000 experience seizures that are not controlled by medication.
For patients whose seizures cannot be managed through medication alone, surgical intervention is considered a safe and effective option following specialized medical evaluation. Access to these procedures begins with an assessment by neurologists who determine which patients may benefit from surgery rather than pharmaceutical treatment.
According to hospital data, 50 patients have received epilepsy surgery at the facility. Of these, 90% have shown improvement and favorable progress in their treatment. The remaining 10% continue under observation and medical follow-up.
The Ministry of Public Health reiterated its ongoing commitment to providing timely and quality care for citizens’ health needs.
