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Honor the people who helped you along your epilepsy journey. With a gift of love and gratitude, you can support the 1 in 26 and pay forward the care that made a difference.

Download a Heart Today

Seizure Devices

Devices for Epilepsy from epilepsy.com

In this video, Dr. Noe introduces devices, called neuromodulation, used for treating seizures.

Devices for Treating Seizures

Seizure medicines do not control seizures or can cause bothersome side effects in at least 3 out of 10 people with epilepsy. For some of these people, surgery may be possible to remove the area of the brain causing the seizures. For others, surgery is not an option or they may not want it at this point. Neuromodulation for epilepsy is another option.

Neuromodulation involves using a device to send small electric currents to the nervous system. This type of therapy:

Electrical stimulation using implanted devices began in the 1980s.
When used in epilepsy, a neuromodulation device sends an electrical signal to change what a nerve or the brain does. The purpose is to make the brain cells work the way they are supposed to.
Each device may work differently. In general, stimulating nerve cells can release substances that change how the cells act or help them go back to their normal state.

Devices and therapy approaches to reduce seizures include:

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS Therapy®)
Responsive neurostimulation (RNS® Therapy)
Deep brain stimulation
External trigeminal nerve stimulation

Learn More:

Devices and Apps in Development

Other Types of Devices

Seizure Alert Devices

In contrast to neuromodulation, seizure alert devices are useful in letting family members know if a seizure is occurring, especially parents of young children.

Learn More:

Authored By:

Patricia O. Shafer RN, MN and Patricia M. Dean ARNP, MSN, CNRN

on Thursday, November 22, 2018

Reviewed By:

Brandy Fureman PhD

on Thursday, August 20, 2020

Resources

Epilepsy Centers

Epilepsy centers provide you with a team of specialists to help you diagnose your epilepsy and explore treatment options.

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Epilepsy Medication

Find in-depth information on anti-seizure medications so you know what to ask your doctor.

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Epilepsy and Seizures Helpline

Call our Epilepsy and Seizures Helpline and talk with an epilepsy information specialist or submit a question online.

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Tools & Resources

Get information, tips, and more to help you manage your epilepsy.

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