Few experiences match the drama of a convulsive seizure. A person having a severe seizure may cry out, fall to the floor unconscious, twitch or move uncontrollably, drool, or even lose bladder control. Within minutes, the attack is over, and the person regains consciousness but is exhausted and dazed. This is the image most people have when they hear the word epilepsy. However, this type of seizure -- a generalized tonic-clonic seizure -- is only one kind of epilepsy. There are many other kinds, each with a different set of symptoms.
Epilepsy was one of the first brain disorders to be described. It was mentioned in ancient Babylon more than 3,000 years ago. The strange behavior caused by some seizures has contributed through the ages to many superstitions and prejudices. The word epilepsy is derived from the Greek word for "attack." People once thought that those with epilepsy were being visited by demons or gods. However, in 400 B.C., the early physician Hippocrates suggested that epilepsy was a disorder of the brain -- and we now know that he was right.
Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes people to have recurring seizures. The seizures happen when clusters of nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain send out the wrong signals. People may have strange sensations and emotions or behave strangely. They may have violent muscle spasms or lose consciousness.
Epilepsy has many possible causes, including illness, brain injury and abnormal brain development. In many cases, the cause is unknown. Needless to say, the quality of life of a person with epilepsy is significantly impacted.
Doctors use brain scans and other tests to diagnose epilepsy. It is important to start treatment right away. There is no cure for epilepsy, but medicines can control seizures for most people. When medicines are not working well, surgery or implanted devices such as vagus nerve stimulators may help. Special diets can help some children with epilepsy. However, about 30% of patients with epilepsy are not helped by any of the existing interventions.
This percentage translates to 2 million people in the U.S. with epilepsy that do not respond to medication. Now there is hope. Review the following scene.
The patient holds a cell phone size device against her scalp. She then sits patiently while data from the device in her brain is downloaded into a laptop computer. Sci-Fi? Not at all. It is the latest tech wonder: an implantable device in your brain which could control brain seizures.
Shortly, brain waves appear on the laptop monitor, revealing seizures that are detected and suppressed with an electric current. Our patient doesn’t feel anything. She only knows, since having this new technical marvel, she has not had anymore seizures.
The name of this device is the implantable Responsive Neurostimulator System. It works in much the same way as a pacemaker would on one’s heart. Dramatic improvements in lives of people who have epilepsy are anticipated.
“If you experience uncontrolled seizures—those that occur three or more times a month and aren’t adequately controlled with medications—you may know the tremendous frustration, anxiety and difficulty they can cause. This could be your chance to take action and explore an investigational therapy that may help reduce your uncontrolled seizures.” (NeuroPace, 2007)
You or someone you know may be eligible to participate in a clinical research study to determine the safety and effectiveness of the implantable Responsive Neurostimulator System for uncontrolled seizures. Call 1-866-903-3678 for details about this clinical research study for an investigational therapy for uncontrolled seizures.
Sources
NeuroPace, 2007
http://www.seizurestudy.com/
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/epilepsy.html
Jarvis, J.: Implant device could control brain seizures, The Arizona Republic, October 22, 2007
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