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ERIC Number: EJ803040
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008-Aug
Pages: 3
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0046-9157
EISSN: N/A
Controlling Seizures
Henderson, Nancy
Exceptional Parent, v38 n8 p14-15, 19 Aug 2008
This article describes how an implantable device could greatly improve the quality of life for people with epilepsy. Gabe Anderson was diagnosed with bilateral heterotopia, a congenital condition that can lead to the onset of complex partial seizures stemming from both hemispheres of the brain. In early 2004, Gabe became one of the first 35 participants in a feasibility study conducted by NeuroPace, a California company that designs and manufactures implantable devices to treat neurological disorders. The research physicians located the exact points where his seizures were coming from--one spot in the left temporal lobe, and another just below the occipital lobe on the right side of his brain--then implanted a responsive neurostimulator system (RNS) device to detect the episodes and transmit electrical impulses to stop them. Gabe still has seizures, but they are much less frequent now; some months he has none at all. The episodes last only a couple of minutes, and recovery is much quicker. His hallucinations have all but disappeared, and Gabe is sleeping better. He has since earned his psychology degree, is working at a drug detoxification center, and plans to become certified as a drug and alcohol counselor next year. Dr. Martha Morrell, professor of neurology at Stanford University and chief medical officer for NeuroPace, states that, while this procedure is not anticipated to replace medication, the hope is that, for many individuals, it may provide better seizure control with fewer side effects.
EP Global Communications Inc. 551 Main Street, Johnstown, PA 15901. Tel: 877-372-7368; Fax: 814-361-3861; e-mail: EPAR@kable.com; Web site: http://www.eparent.com/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A