Investigational Devices for Epilepsy

Approximately one-third of people with epilepsy (PWE) continue to have seizures despite antiseizure medication (ASM). Epilepsy surgery is the most effective option when drug-resistant seizures are generated by a focal brain region that can be safely resected. Unfortunately, many patients are not good resective surgery candidates. Recent trials using therapeutic brain stimulation show reductions in seizures, but long-term seizure-free outcomes are not common. Although seizures occupy a small fraction of their life, as little as 0.01%, PWE take ASD daily, suffer ASM-related side effects, and spend their lives dreading when the next seizure will strike. Current clinical gaps targeted by next-generation epilepsy device investigations include accurate seizure diaries, real-time seizure forecasting, and adaptive stimulation to prevent seizures.