Epilepsy is a central nervous system (neurological) disorder in which brain activity becomes abnormal, causing seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations, and sometimes loss of awareness.
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Treatments include:
- Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs)
- Surgery to remove a small part of the brain that’s causing the seizures
- A procedure to put a small electrical device inside the body that can help control seizures
- A special diet (ketogenic diet) that can help control seizures
Drug-resistant epilepsy, also known as intractable epilepsy or refractory epilepsy, is defined as the failure of at least two anti-seizure drugs.
NeuroPace, a California-based medtech company has developed the RNS system, an implantable neuromodulation device for treating drug-resistant epilepsy. It is the only FDA-approved epilepsy device that delivers personalized treatment by responding to abnormal brain activity and provides EEG data that can help improve patient care, reports NuroPace.
“The RNS System’s brain-responsive platform delivers personalized, real-time treatment at the seizure source. This platform can drive a better standard of care for patients suffering from drug-resistant epilepsy and has the potential to offer a more personalized solution and improved outcomes to the large population of patients suffering from other brain disorders,” Martha Morrell, Chief Medical Officer at NeuroPace, told Medgadget’s Conn Hastings.
The RNS System opens new possibilities for adults with focal drug-resistant epilepsy. The device responds to your unique brain activity and gives your doctor valuable information to help personalize your epilepsy treatment.
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Benefits of the RNS system:
Fewer seizures. In a real world study, RNS System patients reported experiencing fewer seizures.
Lower SUDEP rate. SUDEP is the sudden, unexpected death of someone with epilepsy, who was otherwise healthy.
Improved health and wellness. In a clinical study of the RNS System, patients reported significant quality of life improvements.
