Powerful solutions for hard-to-treat conditions
Neuromodulation can reduce seizures or tremors when surgery isn’t an option.
Epilepsy and Parkinson's disease are most often controlled with medication, but sometimes the symptoms can’t be controlled with medication alone. About a third of epilepsy cases are hard to treat, also called refractory epilepsy. Neuromodulation can greatly reduce the incidence of seizures in most of these cases. For patients with Parkinson's disease, neuromodulation is most beneficial when medication becomes less effective, side-effects are difficult to tolerate or higher dosage is required.
Our neurosurgeons are experienced in the minimally invasive implantation of neuromodulation devices, and we offer all three approved approaches:
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS) provides continual stimulation through embedded electrodes in the brain and was approved for the treatment of epilepsy by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2018. DBS has long been used by Penn State Health neurosurgeons to treat symptoms of movement, such as essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease.
- Responsive neurostimulation (RNS) is target-based therapy that is best for cases where a seizure source has been located in an area of the brain that cannot be removed safely. RNS monitors brainwaves for the unique seizure pattern and delivers a brief pulse of electrical stimulation to prevent or stop a seizure.
- Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) uses the vagus nerve in the neck as a pathway to the brain. It is the least invasive form of neuromodulation and a good option for those at high risk of complications from brain surgery. VNS sends a mild electrical pulse to the brain at regular intervals to prevent a seizure.
Our team will work with you to find the best treatment options to prevent or greatly reduce the incidence and severity of seizures so you can live your best life.