New preliminary research data recently published in the medical journal Neurosurgery, has suggested that an epilepsy surgery more commonly used in adults could also be effective in children and young adults with drug-resistant epilepsy.
Researchers from Rutgers University in New Jersey investigated the use of ‘Responsible Neurostimulation System (RNS)’ surgery in children and young adults.
The RNS is a medical device which is implanted in the skull which can detect unusual electrical activity that can lead to seizures by delivering stimulation to the brain to help brain activity return to normal. In the US, where the study took place, it is currently approved by the FDA to treat adults 18 years and older.
RNS surgery is not to be confused with ‘Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)’ surgery. VNS surgery involves the implantation of a device in the neck and chest and delivers electrical impulses along the Vagus nerve to the brain to regulate seizure activity.
Researchers at Rutgers identified 35 patients aged between 3-25 with drug resistant epilepsy who had been treated with RNS surgery. Of these 35 patients, 17 were under the age of 18 at the time of their surgery.
Three patients experienced complications following RNS implantation in the form of infection and fracture and therefore could not be followed in the study.
Therefore, the results reported are based on the experience of 32 patients, which are as follows:
- 2 achieved seizure freedom
- 4 experienced over a 90% seizure reduction
- 13 experienced over 50% seizure reduction
- 8 had less than 50% seizure reduction
- 5 experienced no change in their condition
On average, the published results are from follow-ups with patients approximately 2 years post RNS surgery.
Yasunori Nagahama, an assistant professor of neurosurgery and director of pediatric epilepsy surgery at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, commented on the findings of the study, stating:
“The findings suggest that responsive neurostimulation is an effective off-label surgical treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy in carefully selected pediatric patients. However, more research on long-term efficacy and safety is needed to determine which patients will benefit most.”
While the preliminary data reported is positive, it is important to note that these are based off a small group. Within the study, researchers have also acknowledged how children would have to be carefully considered before proceeding with this surgical route – given that the child’s skull rapidly develops in early years of life.
In medical terms, RNS surgery would still be seen as a relatively new procedure. However, it is welcome to see emerging research on the surgery which will help aid clinicians with their understanding of the procedure and which patients may potentially be suitable for the procedure.
We will continue to monitor emerging worldwide research on this and all epilepsy related research and post updates on our website and social media channels.
If you need any support or advice with your or your family member’s epilepsy, please get in touch with your local Community Resource Officer.
Finally, if you would like to read more on this research, see the links below:
Journal of Neurosurgery website - https://academic.oup.com/neurosurgery/article-abstract/89/6/997/6370896?redirectedFrom=fulltext
Newswise website - Rutgers University comments- https://www.newswise.com/articles/adult-epilepsy-treatment-reduces-seizures-in-children