The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) has become the first institution in the state to offer deep brain stimulation (DBS) as a treatment for epileptic seizures. This advancement brings new hope to patients like James Canfield from Moss Point, who has experienced seizures throughout his life.
DBS is a neuromodulation technique involving surgically implanted electrodes that deliver electrical impulses to specific brain areas, aiming to alleviate symptoms of neurological disorders. For Canfield, this represents a potential breakthrough after enduring a long battle with epilepsy.
Canfield’s seizures began in infancy, marked by constant blinking episodes. Initially, doctors expected he would outgrow the condition, but an EEG revealed persistent seizure activity, with up to 150 seizures daily. Diagnosed with infantile spasms, Canfield tried various treatments, including medications, a ketogenic diet, and multiple surgeries, with limited success.
As he grew older, Canfield was diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS), a severe form of epilepsy characterized by drug-resistant seizures originating from multiple brain regions. The disorder is unpredictable, and its seizures vary in type and severity, often leading to developmental delays and cognitive impairments.
Dr. Omar Chohan, associate professor of neurosurgery at UMMC, performed the DBS procedure. He explained that LGS is multifocal, affecting different brain areas over time, making it challenging to manage. Dr. Ahmad Mahadeen, assistant professor of neurology, noted the difficulty of treating patients with drug-resistant epileptic encephalopathy like LGS, emphasizing the potential of DBS to reduce seizure frequency.
Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for epilepsy in 2018, DBS involves implanting a neurostimulator under the skin, with leads targeting the anterior nucleus of the thalamus, a central brain relay. This approach bypasses the need for invasive monitoring often required to pinpoint seizure origins.
Dr. Chohan highlighted the long-term benefits of DBS, stating that its effects improve over time, offering hope for a better quality of life. Since the procedure, Canfield’s seizures have decreased from around eight per day to three, providing optimism to his family.
“It’s still early, but we’re hopeful,” said Canfield’s mother, Melissa Parnell. “I want him to enjoy life without the constant pain and reduce his medication reliance.”
With UMMC leading the way in offering DBS for epilepsy, patients and families are hopeful for a future with fewer seizures and improved quality of life.
