Responsive neurostimulation targeting anterior thalamic nucleus in generalized epilepsy

Ann Clin Transl Neurol. 2019 Oct;6(10):2104-2109. doi: 10.1002/acn3.50858. Epub 2019 Sep 11.

Abstract

Responsive neurostimulation (RNS) has emerged as an adjunctive treatment modality for patients with intractable focal epilepsy who are not surgical candidates or have more than one ictal onset focus. We report a 34-year-old patient with intractable, childhood-onset, genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE) with tonic, atonic, myoclonic and absence seizures treated with RNS. Strip electrodes over the right posterior frontal cortex and depth electrodes placed in the right anterior nucleus were used for event detection and responsive stimulation. Two-year follow-up revealed 90-95% clinical seizure reduction. This case suggests that refractory GGE may be effectively treated with RNS targeting thalamocortical networks.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anterior Thalamic Nuclei*
  • Drug Resistant Epilepsy / therapy*
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy / methods*
  • Epilepsy, Generalized / therapy*
  • Frontal Lobe*
  • Humans
  • Implantable Neurostimulators
  • Male