UCLA has revealed a new Unique Nerve-stimulation Epilepsy Treatment, Brain Pacemaker, designed as Implant device. Neuroscientists at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and Valencia, Calif.-based Advanced Bionics Corp., trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) uses the new concept in nerve stimulation and seizure inhibition.
Dr. Christopher DeGiorgio, vice chair and professor in residence of neurology at UCLA, and co-developer of TNS and lead author of the study said:
Most people with chronic epilepsy who have continuing seizures are drug-resistant. In addition, anti-seizure drugs can have significant side effects on behavior, thinking and alertness. Women taking anti-seizure drugs and their unborn children are at special risk because of the effect of these drugs on fetal growth and development.
Unlike Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS), the TNS stimulator can be tested externally to gauge results before implanting the device. Patients treated in the clinical trial wore the stimulator on their belt. Wires from the stimulator were passed under clothing and connected to electrodes attached to the face by adhesive. The electrodes could be covered by a cap or hat.
In addition, while VNS stimulates only one side of the brain, TNS stimulates both sides, a theoretical advantage that will require more testing to validate and quantify.
The new ‘Brain Pacemaker ‘ is surely going to benefit so many patients suffering from Epilepsy.
Via: Medgadget
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