Responsive neurostimulation for treatment of pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy

Nilika S Singhal; Adam L Numis; Morgan B Lee; Edward F Chang; Joseph E Sullivan; Kurtis I Auguste; Vikram R Rao

doi:10.1016/j.ebcr.2018.02.002

Responsive neurostimulation for treatment of pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy

Epilepsy Behav Case Rep. 2018 Mar 12:10:21-24. doi: 10.1016/j.ebcr.2018.02.002. eCollection 2018.

Authors

Nilika S Singhal¹, Adam L Numis¹, Morgan B Lee², Edward F Chang², Joseph E Sullivan¹, Kurtis I Auguste², Vikram R Rao¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, USA.
² Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, San Francisco, USA.

Abstract

Responsive neurostimulation for epilepsy involves an implanted device that delivers direct electrical brain stimulation in response to detection of incipient seizures. Responsive neurostimulation is a safe and effective treatment for adults with drug-resistant epilepsy, but although novel treatments are critically needed for younger patients, responsive neurostimulation is currently not approved for children with drug-resistant epilepsy. Here, we report a 16-year-old patient with seizures arising from eloquent cortex, who was successfully treated with responsive neurostimulation. This case highlights the potential utility of this therapy for pediatric patients and underscores the need for larger studies.

Keywords: Devices; Drug-resistant epilepsy; Neurostimulation; Pediatric; RNS system.

Publication types

Case Reports