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Focused ultrasound may help prevent seizures in some patients with epilepsy

11/03/2021

Results from a study published in Epilepsia suggest that focused ultrasound, which can be used to non-invasively target circuits in the brain, may benefit some patients with epilepsy who experience seizures that do not respond to standard anti-seizure medications.

In the study of six patients with drug-resistant seizures, two patients had fewer seizures within three days of receiving focused ultrasound; however, one patient showed signs of more frequent subclinical seizures (which are not felt by the individual).

Imaging tests after the treatment revealed no negative effects on the brain. One patient reported feeling heat on the scalp during the treatment, and one patient experienced temporary memory impairment that resolved within three weeks.

“Neuromodulation is an alternative treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy. Compared with the present modalities used in neuromodulation for epilepsy, focused ultrasound can access deeper brain regions and focus on the main target of the epileptic network in a relatively less invasive approach,” said senior author Hsiang-Yu Yu, MD, of Taipei Veterans General Hospital, in Taiwan. “It gives new hope and sheds new light for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.”

November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month.

Additional Information

Link to Study: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/epi.17105

About Journal

Epilepsia is the leading, authoritative source for innovative clinical and basic science research for all aspects of epilepsy and seizures. In addition, Epilepsia publishes critical reviews, opinion pieces, and guidelines that foster understanding and aim to improve the diagnosis and treatment of people with seizures and epilepsy.

About Wiley

Wiley is a global leader in research and education, unlocking human potential by enabling discovery, powering education, and shaping workforces. For over 200 years, Wiley has fueled the world’s knowledge ecosystem. Today, our high-impact content, platforms, and services help researchers, learners, institutions, and corporations achieve their goals in an ever-changing world. Visit us at  Wiley.com, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

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