Epilepsy and Pacemaker Therapy in Turkey
Epilepsy and Pacemaker Therapy in Turkey
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, which are sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain. Pacemaker therapy for epilepsy involves implanting a device in the brain that detects abnormal electrical activity and delivers targeted electrical stimulation to prevent seizures before they occur.
How Pacemaker Therapy Works
Implantation of Neurostimulator: A small neurostimulator device is implanted in the skull, typically near the area of the brain where seizures originate. The device is connected to one or more leads (thin wires) that are placed on or inside the brain to detect abnormal electrical activity.
Seizure Detection: The neurostimulator continuously monitors brain activity and detects patterns indicative of an impending seizure.
Responsive Stimulation: When abnormal electrical activity is detected, the neurostimulator delivers small pulses of electrical stimulation to disrupt the seizure activity and prevent it from spreading.
Who May Benefit from Pacemaker Therapy for Epilepsy
Pacemaker therapy for epilepsy may be considered for individuals who:
- Have frequent seizures that are not well controlled with medication.
- Are not candidates for surgical resection or other invasive procedures.
- Experience disabling seizures that significantly impact quality of life.
- Candidates for pacemaker therapy undergo a comprehensive evaluation by a neurologist or epileptologist to determine suitability for the procedure.
The Treatment Process
Before surgery, patients undergo a thorough evaluation, including neurological examinations, imaging studies (such as MRI or CT scans), and seizure monitoring to localize seizure onset zones. The neurostimulator device and leads are implanted during a surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia. The surgical team uses advanced imaging techniques to precisely place the leads in the targeted brain region.
After surgery, the neurostimulator is programmed to detect and respond to seizure activity. Patients undergo regular follow-up appointments to adjust stimulation settings and optimize seizure control.
Will pacemaker therapy cure my epilepsy?
Pacemaker therapy for epilepsy does not cure epilepsy, but it can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in many patients, leading to improved quality of life.
Are there risks associated with pacemaker therapy?
Like any surgical procedure, pacemaker therapy carries risks, including infection, bleeding, and complications related to anesthesia. However, serious complications are rare, and the benefits of seizure reduction often outweigh the risks for suitable candidates.
Will I still need to take medication after pacemaker therapy?
Pacemaker therapy may reduce the frequency and severity of seizures, but most patients still require some degree of medication to manage their condition. However, the dosage and frequency of medication may be significantly reduced.
