A groundbreaking new device has been successfully trialed in the skull of a boy with severe epilepsy, reducing his daytime seizures by 80%. Oran Knowlson, 13, who suffers from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, underwent the surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London. Oran’s mother, Justine, reported that he now has a much better quality of life and is happier. The device, called the Picostim neurotransmitter, sends electrical signals deep into the brain in an effort to block or disrupt abnormal bursts of electrical activity that trigger seizures.
Oran’s epilepsy had previously dominated his life, with the condition robbing him of his childhood. He experienced multiple daily seizures that varied in intensity, from violent shaking and loss of consciousness to needing emergency medication for breathing difficulties. Justine described how her son’s epilepsy had rapidly deteriorated his skills and overall well-being. Oran also has autism and ADHD, but his epilepsy was identified as his biggest challenge.
The CADET project, which aims to assess the effectiveness of deep brain stimulation for severe epilepsy, involves multiple medical institutions including Great Ormond Street Hospital and University College London. The insertion of the neurostimulator involved a delicate procedure carried out by consultant pediatric neurosurgeon Martin Tisdall. The device, which is placed directly in the skull rather than in the chest, helps reduce potential complications such as infections and device failures.
Deep brain stimulation has been previously attempted for childhood epilepsy, but this trial marks the first time a neurostimulator has been implanted directly into the skull. The electrodes were inserted into Oran’s brain until they reached the thalamus, an essential relay station for neuronal information. The precision of the procedure, with a margin of error less than a millimeter, highlights the advancements in technology and surgical techniques. The hope is that this innovative approach will provide a more effective treatment for severe forms of epilepsy.
The success of this trial offers hope for patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy, providing a potential solution to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. The use of deep brain stimulation and the Picostim neurotransmitter represent a promising new frontier in epilepsy treatment. As more trials are conducted and data is collected, researchers and medical professionals can gain a better understanding of the benefits and limitations of this innovative approach. With ongoing advancements in technology and medical research, there is optimism for improved outcomes for patients like Oran in the future.
