Designing New Approaches to Seizure Control

Special to EpilepsyUSA
Posted: July 27, 2005

In the world of science, what just a few years ago seemed no more than a dream is now reality. A device that can detect seizures before they happen is a good example.

Seizure detection and forewarning devices are not on the market yet. But experimental versions are now in use by researchers. Their goals are to devise systems that can detect oncoming seizures and automatically provide therapy that stops the episodes before they happen.

One system under study uses electrodes implanted in the brain. When the device detects an oncoming seizure, a tiny burst of electrical energy is delivered directly to the spot where the seizure activity began and halts its progress.

Scientists also hope to develop similar models that will release medication at the seizure site with the same therapeutic effect. These implanted 'medication pumps' could also be used without the warning device. The pumps might then be programmed to release medication over time, much in the way that patients now take medication on a daily schedule. Releasing medication directly at the seizure site within the brain could eliminate many of the side effects of taking medications orally.

Some early research suggests that cooling brain tissue might also prevent seizures. If confirmed, it might then be possible to implant a probe that aborts seizures by cooling the brain area where the seizures begin. Sound impossible? So did treatment by electricity before electrical stimulation therapy proved an effective option for some people with seizures.

The ability to detect abnormal brain activity before the process blossoms into a full blown seizure could bring many benefits to people with epilepsy. A major challenge for scientists is in refining the technology to where it might be incorporated into a portable – and affordable – device for use by individuals. Many people would like such a warning device so they could take appropriate action before the seizure takes place.

Of even greater future benefit will be knowledge of what happens in the brain to start the seizure in the first place. Many scientists are working on this part of the puzzle as well. And, their work could one day lead to ways of preventing or even curing some forms of epilepsy.