Technology insight: neuroengineering and epilepsy-designing devices for seizure control.
Despite substantial innovations in antiepileptic drug therapy over the past 15 years, the proportion of patients with uncontrolled epilepsy has not changed, highlighting the need for new treatment strategies. New implantable antiepileptic devices, which are currently under development and in pivotal clinical trials, hold great promise for improving the quality of life of millions of people with epileptic seizures worldwide. A broad range of strategies to stop seizures is currently being investigated, with various modes of control and intervention. The success of novel antiepileptic devices rests upon collaboration between neuroengineers, physicians and industry to adapt new technologies for clinical use. The initial results with these technologies are exciting, but considerable development and controlled clinical trials will be required before these treatments earn a place in our standard of clinical care.
Stacey
William C
WC
Departments of Epilepsy and Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. william.stacey@uphs.upenn.edu
Litt
Brian
B
D001698:Biomedical Engineering / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*; D001709:Biotechnology / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D004867:Equipment Design / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D012640:Seizures / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*