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Seizures occur when an abnormal electrical discharge in the brain causes a change in awareness, movement, sensation or other brain function. A seizure begins when a tiny cluster of brain cells, or neurons, get overexcited. As a result, other cells in the brain begin to “fire” rapidly in a rhythmic and synchronized repetition that sends mixed signals to the brain, causing a seizure. The condition in which seizures are recurring is called epilepsy.
According to the Epilepsy Foundation, more than 3 million Americans of all ages have epilepsy or experience seizures.1 Over 200,000 Americans develop seizures and epilepsy each year.
Most seizures are controlled by antiepileptic medications. The type of medication prescribed depends on the frequency and severity of the seizures and the person's age, overall health and medical history.
About 30% to 40% of patients have seizures that can’t be controlled with drugs.1 Some of these patients may be candidates for epilepsy surgery. Different surgical procedures have been developed for specific types of epilepsy. In the most common surgical procedure, the area of the brain that triggers the seizures is removed. Other procedures cut the nerve fibers connecting parts of the brain.
Direct brain stimulation may be another way to treat epilepsy.2 It is already being used to treat persons with Parkinson’s disease and severe tremors. Neurostimulation is also used to treat pain.
An investigational treatment option for uncontrolled seizures is now being evaluated. Using the RNS™ System from NeuroPace, an implanted device provides “responsive stimulation” to the area of the brain that triggers the seizures, attempting to stop the seizure before it causes symptoms.
1 http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/about/factsfigures.cfm
2 http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/epilepsyusa/implantdevices200605.cfm
