Advances in epilepsy treatment | Mark Cook | TEDxUWollongong

Summary

This presentation explores groundbreaking advancements in implantable therapeutic devices aimed at treating epilepsy, which affects around 1% of the global population. Current medications often leave many patients inadequately treated and burdened by side effects. Researchers are investigating localized drug delivery using polymers activated by seizure activity, alongside emerging technologies for seizure prediction. Additionally, innovations like cooling devices and electrical stimulation show promise in effectively managing seizures without damaging brain tissue. These developments signify a transformative shift in epilepsy treatment, enhancing patient quality of life and potentially reducing the reliance on systemic medications.

Takeaways

• 😀 Epilepsy affects about 1% of the global population, with many individuals suffering from recurrent seizures.
• 😀 Approximately two-thirds of those with epilepsy are treated adequately with existing medications, leaving millions without effective treatment.
• 😀 Surgical options exist for epilepsy, but about 15 million people are unsuitable or unable to access surgery.
• 😀 Current medications for epilepsy often have significant side effects, including impacts on cognitive function and overall health.
• 😀 Historical work by Wilder Penfield demonstrated that stimulating the brain could suppress seizures, paving the way for modern approaches.
• 😀 Implantable devices can now detect seizures and provide real-time electrical stimulation to prevent them.
• 😀 Innovations in materials science and microelectronics are crucial for improving the functionality and longevity of brain implants.
• 😀 Predicting seizures could significantly reduce the unpredictability and life disruptions caused by epilepsy.
• 😀 Emerging drug delivery systems aim to release medication precisely where it is needed, potentially reducing systemic side effects.
• 😀 Ongoing research is exploring various therapies, including cooling devices and peripheral nerve stimulation, to control seizures effectively.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the collaboration mentioned in the transcript?

The collaboration focuses on developing implantable therapeutic devices to treat epilepsy.

How common is epilepsy according to the transcript?

Epilepsy affects approximately 1% of the population chronically, with 5 to 8% experiencing seizures at some point in their lives.

What are the limitations of current epilepsy treatments mentioned?

Two-thirds of people with epilepsy are adequately treated with medications, leaving about 15 million people inadequately treated due to surgery limitations or medication side effects.

What significant observation did Wilder Penfield make regarding brain stimulation?

Penfield found that stimulating the brain could suppress seizure activity, which was a groundbreaking discovery at the time.

What technological advancements now allow for better seizure detection and prevention?

Current technology enables the implantation of electrodes in the brain that can detect seizures and provide stimulation to suppress them.

How does the newly developed device predict seizures?

The device records information from electrodes placed on the brain, which can indicate risk levels of seizure occurrences through a color-coded system.

What potential does the use of electrically activated polymers have in treating epilepsy?

Electrically activated polymers can drive drug release in response to seizure activity, allowing targeted therapy directly at the source of seizures.

What unique method of seizure control is being explored involving cooling devices?

Researchers are developing microprocessor-controlled cooling devices that can be implanted in the brain to suppress seizure foci without damaging brain tissue.

What does the transcript suggest about the future of epilepsy treatments?

There is potential for innovative therapies that combine electrical stimulation and pharmacological approaches to better manage seizures and reduce the burden on patients.

How might future devices combine electrical stimulation and drug delivery?

Future devices could predict seizures and release drugs in anticipation, potentially alleviating the need for chronic medication administration.