Deep Brain Stimulation Treatment for Epilepsy – Mayo Clinic

Deep Brain Stimulation Treatment for Epilepsy – Mayo Clinic

When patients have exhausted all medication treatments for epilepsy, some turn to surgical options. Up until recently, successful surgical intervention has been limited to patients with identifiable seizure hotspots. However, for those with untraceable or multiple seizure areas, deep brain stimulation (DBS) has emerged as a promising new treatment approved after rigorous studies.

Understanding Deep Brain Stimulation

DBS is not a guaranteed cure for epilepsy but can significantly reduce seizures. While some patients experience seizure-free periods, many still have seizures, albeit less frequently. The principle behind DBS is similar to antiepileptic medications; both regulate brain electrical activity, either speeding it up or slowing it down to manage seizures.

The key difference is that DBS has upfront surgical risks while medications carry long-term side effects. Over time, chronic medication use can exacerbate side effects, whereas DBS involves a small implant within the brain with a stable risk profile.

Patient Eligibility

Historically, DBS was an option for patients who had failed other therapies, such as the Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS). However, recent FDA approval has broadened its applicability. Candidates now include individuals with suspected temporal lobe seizures, where the exact origin is unclear or located in dangerous, inoperable areas.

DBS is ideal for patients with focal epilepsy where the seizure site is elusive or surgically inaccessible. This therapy is reversible, providing an option for those uncomfortable with the implanted device.

Expertise and Multidisciplinary Approach

At Mayo Clinic, DBS has been a treatment option even before its FDA approval, underscoring the institution's commitment to pioneering helpful therapies. The clinic's extensive experience with DBS has also extended to experimenting with different brain targets.

A patient's journey to finding effective treatment can be complex, requiring multidisciplinary collaboration. At Mayo Clinic, epilepsy surgery involves a teamwork approach among surgeons and epileptologists. This collective effort enhances the evaluation process through shared theories and rigorous testing, resulting in higher success rates.

In summary, deep brain stimulation offers a viable alternative for epilepsy patients unresponsive to medication. For those interested, early referral to specialized centers like Mayo Clinic can open doors to a range of advanced epilepsy treatments. The clinic's success hinges not only on technology but on the dedicated efforts of a highly collaborative and experienced team.

Keywords

• Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
• Epilepsy
• Seizures
• Medications
• Surgical Risks
• FDA Approval
• Temporal Lobe Seizures
• Multidisciplinary Approach
• Mayo Clinic

FAQ

Q: What is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) in the context of epilepsy?

A: DBS involves implanting a small device in the brain to regulate electrical activity and manage seizures, particularly in patients unresponsive to medication or unsuitable for other surgeries.

Q: Can DBS cure epilepsy?

A: While DBS might not make patients completely seizure-free, it can significantly reduce seizure frequency and is a viable option when medications fail.

Q: Who are the ideal candidates for DBS?

A: Ideal candidates include those with unidentifiable seizure origins, multiple seizure hotspots, or inoperable epilepsy areas, especially relating to temporal lobe seizures.

Q: What are the risks associated with DBS?

A: While the surgical implantation of the DBS device carries upfront risks, it doesn’t have the long-term side effect profile associated with chronic medication use.

Q: Why is a multidisciplinary approach important for epilepsy surgery?

A: Collaboration among surgeons and epileptologists ensures a thorough evaluation process, enhancing the chances of successfully identifying and treating seizure hotspots.