New approach shows seizure reduction in pediatric epilepsy cases
Responsive neurostimulation of the centromedian nucleus of the thalamus (CM RNS) shows promise in reducing seizure frequency in pediatric patients with drug-resistant generalized epilepsy, including genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE) and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), with no serious adverse events reported, according to a study.
The retrospective study examined outcomes for 7 patients with GGE) or LGS.
Overall, 5 patients (71%) experienced a reduction of ≥ 50% in seizure frequency. Among these, 80% of GGE patients and 50% of LGS patients responded favorably to bilateral CM RNS. Importantly, no serious adverse events—such as infections, strokes, or device malfunctions—were reported.
Although the findings suggest CM RNS may significantly improve seizure control in this challenging patient population, researchers emphasize the need for larger studies with longer follow-up periods to refine patient selection and evaluate long-term outcomes.
Reference
Speakes ME, Reznik-Schaefer K, Al-Ramadhani R, et al. Treatment of pediatric drug-resistant generalized epilepsy with responsive neurostimulation of the centromedian nucleus of the thalamus: A case series of seven patients. Epilepsy Res. 2025;210:107516. doi: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2025.107516. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39864118.