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Reported March 2001

Stopping Seizures in Kids

(Ivanhoe Newswire) — Some children with epilepsy have dozens of seizures a day. Now they are finally getting some relief with a device doctors call a "pacemaker for the brain." Once only available for adults, it is currently able help control seizures in the smallest patients, too.

Karina Rodriguez's bubbles may not last long, but these days, despite cold temperatures, the smile on her face does.

"She can play or walk or talk, everything," says Karina's father, Librado.

Since the age of 5, Karina has experienced seizures that lasted as long as an hour. Today, the story is different.

Librado says, "Now it's about 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or 1 minute."

The newly-available device, called a vagus nerve stimulator (VNS), is what makes the difference. Doctors attach the device to a nerve that goes to the brain. When a seizure starts, the VNS sends out an electrical signal, stimulating the nerve and stopping the seizure.

Neurosurgeon Hal Meltzer, M.D., says the results in children so far have been incredible.

"Some of the children we've implanted these devices into for the first time now can attend school. Another child for the first time has been able to play t-ball," says Dr. Meltzer, of Children's Hospital in San Diego, Calif.

Daily seizures have left 9-year-old Katie Ely with severe brain damage. Her mother, Colleen Hart, says, "We've tried most medications and almost every therapy we can think of. They're saying the mental retardation she has will be decreased if her seizures could decrease, in fact she could learn."

Surgery to implant the VNS takes about two hours. Doctors expect Katie, like Karina, will have fewer and shorter seizures.

Librado says, "This changed life for us -- for my family and for my daughter." While Karina still has seizures, getting them under control is enough to give this girl something to smile about.

About 2.5 million people in the United States have epilepsy. For some epileptics the vagus nerve stimulator is an alternative to traditional drug therapy or surgery.

If you would like more information, please contact:

Jen Marchesini, Media Relations

Children's Hospital and Health Center

3020 Children's Way, MC 5005

San Diego, CA 92123

(858) 966-4901

 

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