This hub covers epilepsy devices and neuromodulation like VNS, RNS, and DBS, which are treatments that can reduce seizures when meds aren’t enough. Plain-language research summaries plus real-life pros/cons.
Some are used more often in adults, but pediatric use depends on the device, the case, and specialist guidance.
Often gradually. Improvement can build over months as settings are optimized.
Sometimes medication can be reduced, but many people still use meds alongside a device.
Sometimes yes, with device-specific rules. Always check the exact device guidelines first.
This study looked at whether a brain signal called slow gamma activity in the anterior nucleus of the thalamus (ANT) might help indicate whether deep brain stimulation (DBS) is working for people with drug-resistant epilepsy.
This study evaluated two antidepressants, agomelatine and escitalopram, in people with epilepsy who also had major depressive disorder.
Researchers combined results from randomized, double-blind studies that tested two add-on seizure medicines, lacosamide (LCM) and brivaracetam (BRV), in adults and older teens with drug-resistant focal epilepsy.
This paper combined results from earlier studies to look for factors linked with response to vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in people with drug-resistant epilepsy.
This study analyzed medical records from 180 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who were hospitalized at a pediatric neurology center in Katowice, Poland.
Researchers looked at whether checking the quality of pulse signals from a wearable light sensor, called photoplethysmography (PPG), could improve seizure detection.
This study was a systematic review and meta-analysis.
This paper describes one child with febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES), a rare condition in which severe seizures begin after a febrile infection.
This study looked at current practices and knowledge gaps in how physicians in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in Mainland China use prophylactic anti-seizure medicines for pediatric post-traumatic epilepsy after traumatic brain injury.