Children with drug-resistant epilepsy have been given fresh hope following a scientific breakthrough.
For the first time, scientists implanted brain electrodes in an 11-year-old without the need for surgery.
The boy has drug-resistant epilepsy (known as intractable epilepsy).
Paving the way
The goal of the procedure was to locate the epileptic foci – the areas of the brain where the seizures originate. It paves the way for doctors accurately to remove those areas.
The Neuroscience Center of King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH&RC) in Saudi Arabia carried out the procedure.
The groundbreaking non-invasive procedure used a cutting-edge stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) technique.
SEEG involves creating tiny 2mm holes in the skull to implant electrical monitoring electrodes directly into the brain.
These electrodes enable precise measurement and mapping of electrical activity. Specialists can then identify the specific regions where epileptic seizures originate.
Challenges of medical procedure on children
Dr Ibrahim Althubaiti is a consultant at the Epilepsy Integrated Practice Unit at KFSH&RC.
He highlighted the distinct challenges of carrying out such a medical procedure on children instead of adults. Unlike adults, who can easily comply with instructions, children’s movement can be difficult to control for prolonged periods. This posed a greater difficulty in executing the medical procedure.
“Nevertheless, the successful implementation of the SEEG technique allowed us to overcome this challenge,” he said.
After placing the electrodes, medics monitor the patient closely for several days. The aim is to identify the origin of seizures and determine the specific tissues to remove or excise to eliminate epilepsy seizures effectively.
The ultimate aim of the approach is to improve patients’ quality of life and that of their families.
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Published: 12 November 2023
