A clinical trial is underway for a neurostimulator implant that monitors brain activity and then sends an electrical jolt designed to prevent an epileptic seizure. Neuropace has developed the RNS system in Silicon Valley, and is undergoing clinical trials with more than 200 patients across the US. It is being reported preliminarily that RNS implant is effective in treating seizures through the mechanism of responsive stimulation. In this protocol regions of the brain demonstrate erratic electrical signals before a seizure. Through counter electrical stimulation, the seizure can be prevented or minimized.
The RNS is placed under the skull and the electrodes are connected to relevant regions in the brain in order to provide stimulation. The device is controlled wirelessly through an adapter on a laptop which allows a clinician to view the patient’s electrocorticographic (ECoG) activity in real-time and the ability to upload the patient’s ECoGs that have been stored in the RNS neurostimulator.
The purported design advantage with the RNS system versus other anti-epileptic systems currently employed is that the RNS system does not constantly electrically stimulate the brain, but rather monitors specific regions in the brain for an uptick in electrical activity and only shocks when there is indication of an upcoming seizure. This means the RNS is monitoring more and shocking less.
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