Possible Treatment for Epileptics, Implantable Device in the Brain

It is true, researchers have developed an implantable device in the brain that can detect the onset of a seizure and either slow it down or turn it off with the use of neurotransmitters and ion exchange membranes. It was first used on the brains of mice when the signals of seizure were detected, it used a native brain chemical to stop the seizure from progressing. A seizure is defined as a misfiring or overstimulation of a nerve or a group of nerves, which can affect the consciousness of an individual and their motor control. Seizure disorders like epilepsy are typically treated pharmacologically, but most pharmaceuticals come with detrimental side effects and most of the time isn’t effective in stopping a seizure episode. Currently, researchers are utilizing neuro-physiology to slow down a seizure with the use of the device. When a seizure is detected by electrodes on the device, it releases neurotransmitter via a tiny ion pump. The device via the electrodes continues to monitor neural activity, this process is known as electrophoresis. Moreover, the amount of inhibitor released can be tuned with the varying amounts of neural activity. Therefore, this new device may all deliver a patient with renewed autonomy, non-malfeasance, and beneficence. The patient will be able to participate in daily activities they weren’t able to do before, like driving. Seizures often can cause concussions, bone injuries, and most report feeling tired and fatigued after an episode. In addition, having a seizure disorder requires the aide of those around you, like friends and family members. Justice can also be increased with the use of this device because it allows caretakers to become more independent in their daily living. Also, researchers discovered a small amount of neurotransmitter needs to be released to stop most seizures, allowing a longer period between refills of the device, increasing a patient’s autonomy even more. Many side effects of the implanted device are reduced or prevented because the drug doesn’t require the use of a solvent, it is delivered the cells located just beyond the device’s electrodes, like a neuro muscular junction. Researchers are still studying the long-term effects of the device on their mice subjects but so far, the early results of the device seem promising. The device might also be able to treat other neurologic conditions like brain tumors or Parkinson’s disease. Christopher M. Proctor, Andrea Slézia, Attila Kaszas, Antoine Ghestem, Isabel del Agua, Anna-Maria Pappa, Christophe Bernard, Adam Williamson, George G. Malliaras. Electrophoretic drug delivery for seizure control. Science Advances, 2018; 4 (8): eaau1291 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aau1291 University of Cambridge. (2018, August 29). Electronic device implanted in the brain could stop seizures. ScienceDaily. Retrieved December 5, 2018 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/08/180829143824.htm