Optimistic treatment options for treatment resistant epilepsy

General
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About 50 Million individuals world-wide suffer from epilepsy. While seizures can be managed in most of the cases, still in 25-30% on these individuals develop treatment resistant epilepsy. Many researches have been undertaken to find a management for this condition. One such is providing Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) or the open loop. This technique involves delivering electrical impulses through electrodes within the areas of brain. Clinical trial on stimulation of thalamus region- Anterior Nucleus of Thalamus (ANT) had shown positive results in reducing seizures in participants and this treatment option has been permitted. Another device has been approved by FDA in 2018, called the NeuroPace RNS Responsive Stimulation or closed loop device which rather than giving out impulses continuously, first predicts seizure onset based on abnormal electric pulses and then delivers immediate stimulation in the specific region.

Would you like to share about any new advancements in this field?

MBH/PS

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Advances in closed-loop stimulation are especially promising, as real-time seizure detection allows targeted intervention with potentially fewer side effects.

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Such a technology could save lives of many. Open-loop stimulation could also prove to be helpful in other brain-related neurodegenerative issues for stimulation of the neurons and their action.

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New advances include AI based seizure prediction, adaptive closed loop brain stimulation, and emerging gene and optogenetic therapies for drug resistant epilepsy.

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