Epilepsy and Life-changing Technology

In October 2023, 13-year-old Oran Knowlson became the UK’s first patient to undergo a ground-breaking trial of a new device that uses deep brain stimulation (DBS) to treat epilepsy. This device, fitted to Oran’s skull, sends a constant pulse of electrical signals deep into his brain and has reduced his daytime seizures by 80% since the procedure.

Oran’s journey with epilepsy began as a toddler, his family navigating years of treatments and medications that offered little relief. Before the trial, Oran’s mum explained that Oran would experience a range of seizures every day. Some of his seizures would cause him to fall to the ground, lose consciousness or even stop breathing. When talking to the BBC about Oran’s epilepsy, she said: “It has robbed him of all of his childhood.”

Since the device was switched on in December, Oran’s family have noticed a big improvement in Oran. His mum says: “He’s a lot more chatty, he’s more engaged. He’s turned 13 and I definitely now have a teenager – he’s happy to tell me no. But that adds to his quality of life, when he can express himself better.”

Oran’s story is a testament to the advancements in using technology to analyse and manage epilepsy. Although there is currently no cure for epilepsy, there are several ways of managing the condition aided by the use of technology.

Over the years, we’ve seen many exciting breakthroughs in seizure monitoring technology. Let’s look at the technology that has led to this latest development.

A Brief History of Seizure Monitoring Technology

In the late 1800’s, English scientist Richard Caton discovered the electrical properties of the brain. Some years later, this discovery led to the first human electroencephalogram (EEG); a way of studying and recording electrical brain activity. The EEG, recorded by German psychiatrist Hans Berger, was a vital discovery. It gave doctors a new way to diagnose and investigate neurological disorders.

The late 20th century saw the introduction of the digital EEG. This development completely changed how we can track seizures. With advancements in EEG technology and the development of video-EEG monitoring, these tests remain an essential means of studying epilepsy today. In addition to monitoring seizures, EEG tests have opened the way for studying brain function and understanding the effects of traumatic brain injury.

What happens during an EEG test?

During an electroencephalogram (EEG) test, up to 25 small sensors are placed on your scalp. These sensors detect the electrical activity of your brain. This activity is then recorded on a computer and evaluated by a doctor or specialist. The test is painless and usually lasts around 30 minutes.

Sometimes a doctor may recommend an Ambulatory EEG. This type of EEG records brain activity for several hours to increase the chance of capturing a seizure compared to the normal 30-minute test.

Advancements in ambulatory EEG (aEEG) technology now make it possible to conduct EEG tests in a mobile setting. Mobile EEG systems are lightweight and wireless, allowing patients to go about their daily routines while being monitored over a long period.

Wearable Epilepsy Alarms and Sensors

The early 2000s saw the rise of wearable seizure monitors. These wearable devices often look like watches, and they connect to a mobile phone or call centre. They typically detect seizures by recognising changes in heart rate or body temperature, and repetitive movements typical of tonic-clonic seizures.

In 2018, the Embrace2 watch by Empatica became one of the first wearable epilepsy devices approved by the FDA. The device is worn on the wrist and can alert wearers to oncoming seizures by detecting changes in the skin (such as sweat secretion), repetitive motions, and changes in body temperature.

Wearable monitoring devices, when combined with an alarm feature, have several benefits:

1. Increased Safety. These devices detect seizures and quickly alert caregivers or family members. This allows for timely assistance and thus reduces the risk of injury during a seizure.
2. Peace of Mind. Patients and their families can have peace of mind knowing that help will be alerted in the event of a seizure.
3. Record Useful Data. Many of these devices track seizure patterns and other important information, which can help doctors create treatment plans for each patient.
4. Greater Independence. The increased sense of safety from using monitoring devices can help people with epilepsy feel more secure as they go about their day. This can give them more freedom to do things on their own.

Also in 2018, deep brain stimulation for treating epilepsy was approved by the FDA in the US. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) involves implanting small electrical devices in certain parts of the brain to help reduce seizures. This treatment is usually for adults with drug-resistant epilepsy.

The first use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) to treat epilepsy in the UK was in October 2023, as part of a trial program at Great Ormand Street Hospital (GOSH).

Oran Knowlson, as mentioned earlier, underwent surgery to have a neurostimulator fitted to his skill. The device, activated 6 months after the surgery, sends electrical signals into his brain to interfere with the abnormal signals that cause seizures.

Oran developed epilepsy at a very young age; he was later diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a drug-resistant form of epilepsy. Up until the trial, Oran hadn’t had a seizure-free day in 10 years.

This trial has been life-changing for Oran and his family. With his daytime seizures now reduced by 80%, Oran enjoys a much better quality of life and his family is now very hopeful for his future.

Deep brain stimulation has been used before to treat epilepsy in children. Previously, the neurostimulators were implanted in the chest with wires running up to the brain. This new device is mounted on the skull, making it less likely to cause issues as the patient grows.

What is next?

Three more patients will now participate in this trial before a further trial takes place involving 22 patients.

In the future, the team plans to modify the device to anticipate and prevent seizures from starting by reacting and responding in real time to changes in Oran’s brain activity.

Oran’s story is a testament to the relentless pursuit of innovation in healthcare. Advancements in technology are changing how we monitor and manage epileptic seizures. These new tools make it easier to track seizures accurately while being less invasive and more widely available.

As a result, people with epilepsy can have a better quality of life, which is the ultimate goal of these technological advancements.

At Epilepsy Alarms UK, we specialise in providing seizure monitoring solutions for people with epilepsy. We offer the UK’s largest selection of reliable and accurate monitoring alarms and sensors to help individuals with epilepsy live independently and enjoy life to the fullest.