LONDON BOY RECEIVES GROUNDBREAKING DEVICE TO CONTROL EPILEPTIC SEIZURES
A groundbreaking surgery has taken place in London, where a young boy with severe epilepsy became the first patient in the world to trial a new device implanted in his skull to control seizures.
The neurostimulator, which sends electrical signals deep into his brain, has significantly reduced Oran Knowlson’s daytime seizures by an impressive 80%, bringing hope and relief to his family.
Life Before the Surgery
Oran, who is now 13 years old and hails from Somerset, has been battling Lennox-Gastaut syndrome since the age of three. This treatment-resistant form of epilepsy has plagued him with multiple daily seizures, drastically affecting his quality of life.
Before the surgery, Oran’s mother, Justine, expressed how epilepsy had dominated her son’s life, stating, “It has robbed him of all of his childhood.”
Describing the various types of seizures Oran experienced, including ones where he fell to the ground, shook violently, and lost consciousness, Justine highlighted the severity of his condition.
The Procedure and Device
The surgery, part of the CADET project, involved inserting two electrodes deep into Oran’s brain until they reached the thalamus, a crucial relay station for neuronal information. The neurostimulator, a 3.5cm square device, was then placed in a gap in Oran’s skull and anchored securely in place.
Unlike previous methods where neurostimulators were placed in the chest, this new device, called Picostim neurotransmitter, is placed directly in the skull, reducing potential complications and risks associated with the treatment.
Hopes and Future Implications
Consultant pediatric neurosurgeon Martin Tisdall expressed optimism about the study’s potential to identify deep brain stimulation as an effective treatment for severe epilepsy. He also emphasized the importance of the new device’s placement in the skull, reducing risks of infection and device failure.
With Oran’s seizures significantly reduced post-surgery, there is renewed hope for individuals with severe epilepsy to find relief and improve their quality of life.
It is a significant step forward in the field of epilepsy treatment, offering new possibilities and hope for patients and families affected by this challenging condition. — BBC
