Brain‐Responsive Neurostimulation for the treatment of adults with epilepsy in tuberous sclerosis complex: A case series. Issue 2 (13th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McDermott, Danielle S.; Mirro, Emily A.; Fetrow, Kirsten; Burdette, David E.; Chen, Stephanie; Hopp, Jennifer; Masel, Todd; Johnson, Emily A.; Elefant, Felicia M. K.; Le, Scheherazade; Patra, Sanjay E.; Brown, Mesha‐Gay; Haneef, Zulfi
• Is Part Of: Epilepsia open. Volume 6:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 419
• Page End: 424
• Publication Date: 2021-03-13
• Subjects: refractory epilepsy -- responsive neurostimulation -- tuberous sclerosis complex; Epilepsy -- Periodicals; Epilepsy -- Research -- Periodicals; Epilepsy; Periodicals; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 616.853005
• DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12481
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2470-9239

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disorder primarily characterized by the development of multisystem benign tumors. Epilepsy is the most common neurologic manifestation, affecting 80%‐90% of TSC patients. The diffuse structural brain abnormalities and the multifocal nature of epilepsy in TSC pose diagnostic challenges when evaluating patients for epilepsy surgery. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the safety experience and efficacy outcomes of five adult TSC patients who were treated with direct brain‐responsive neurostimulation (RNS System, NeuroPace, Inc). Results: The average follow‐up duration was 20 months. All five patients were responders (≥50% disabling seizure reduction) at last follow‐up. The median reduction in disabling seizures was 58% at 1 year and 88% at last follow‐up. Three of the five patients experienced some period of seizure freedom ranging from 3 months to over 1 year. Significance: In this small case series, we report the first safety experience and efficacy outcomes in patients with TSC‐associated drug‐resistant focal epilepsy treated with direct brain‐responsive neurostimulation.