This month’s episode of Epilepsy Explained focuses on Responsive Neurostimulation, or RNS. Dr. Mark Richardson, Director of Functional Neurosurgery at Massachusetts General Hospital and Professor of Neurosurgery at Harvard Medical School, provides an overview of RNS, explaining what it is, who should consider getting one, how it differs from other neuromodulation devices, and what patients can expect from RNS.  In “RNS Explained”, Dr. Richardson answers the following questions.

0:17 What is RNS and how does it differ from VNS and DBS?

2:22 Who should consider getting an RNS device and when should it be considered?

3:38 What are the risks of having an RNS device implanted?

5:45 Are there any potential side effects that may be experienced with an RNS device?

7:40 What kind of maintenance is required with an RNS device?

9:46 When and how will I know if the RNS device is making a difference in my seizures?

Look for new episodes of Epilepsy Explained on the third Wednesday of every month on CURE Epilepsy’s YouTube Channel and on our website at: https://www.cureepilepsy.org/epilepsy-explained/

If you would like to submit questions for future episodes of Epilepsy Explained, please go to: https://www.cureepilepsy.org/epilepsy-explained/

 

VNS and DBS Explained

This month’s episode of Epilepsy Explained focuses on two neuromodulation devices, Vagus Nerve Stimulation, or VNS, and Deep Brain Stimulation, or DBS. Dr. Taylor Abel, Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Children’s Hospital, answers basic questions about how these devices are used to reduce or control seizures in some people with epilepsy.

In “VNS and DBS Explained”, Dr. Abel answers the following questions.

0:16 What are VNS and DBS and how do they differ from each other?

1:14 Who should consider getting a VNS or DBS device?

2:38 Are there any risks involved with having a VNS or DBS device implanted?

4:04 Are there any potential side effects that people with a VNS or DBS might experience?

5:20 Do these devices require any regular maintenance?

6:54 When and how will I know if the device is making a difference in my seizures?

Look for new episodes of Epilepsy Explained on the third Wednesday of every month here on our website and on CURE Epilepsy’s YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/CUREepilepsy

If you would like to submit questions for future episodes of Epilepsy Explained, please go to: https://www.cureepilepsy.org/epilepsy-explained/

 

Epilepsy Surgery Explained, Part 2

This month’s Epilepsy Explained is part 2 of Epilepsy Surgery Explained. Dr. Scott Perry, Head of Neurosciences at the Jane & John Justin Institute for Mind Health at Cook Children’s Medical Center, answers questions about preparing for epilepsy brain surgery and addresses post-operation concerns.

In part 2 of “Epilepsy Surgery Explained”, Dr. Perry answers the following questions.

0:15  How do I find the right surgeon for me?

1:34  What should I discuss with my doctor or surgeon prior to surgery?

3:30  What are the different types of surgery?

6:14  What should I expect during recovery from surgery?

7:49  When will I know if the surgery worked?

Look for new episodes of Epilepsy Explained on the third Wednesday of every month here on CURE Epilepsy’s website and YouTube Channel.

Epilepsy Surgery Explained, Part 1

The May 2024 episode of Epilepsy Explained focuses on epilepsy surgery. In part 1 of a two-part episode, Dr. Scott Perry, Head of Neurosciences at the Jane & John Justin Institute for Mind Health at Cook Children’s Medical Center, answers questions about brain surgery for epilepsy including when to consider surgery, how to determine if you might be a candidate, and what tests you may have to undergo in preparation for surgery.

In part 1 of “Epilepsy Surgery Explained”, Dr. Perry answers the following questions.

0:16 Can surgery cure epilepsy?

1:04 When should I consider surgery?

2:00 How do I know if I’m a candidate for surgery?

3:06 What tests will I need to undergo before planning for surgery?

5:22 What is the success rate for epilepsy surgery?

Part 2 of “Epilepsy Surgery Explained” will be available next month here on our website and on CURE Epilepsy’s YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/CUREepilepsy

Epilepsy Medications Explained

This month on Epilepsy Explained, Dr. Nathan Fountain, MD, Professor of Neurology and Director of the Comprehensive Epilepsy Program at the University of Virginia, answers questions about epilepsy medications.

In “Epilepsy Medications Explained”, Dr. Fountain answers the following questions.

0:16 Why do I have to take medications?

0:53 When can I stop taking medications?

2:30 How does a doctor decide which medication to prescribe to a patient?

4:36 Why do medications control some people’s seizures but don’t work for other people?

6:36 What kind of side effects can medications cause and why do they cause side effects?

8:20 When should I talk to my doctor about trying a different medication?

9:51 How many medications should I try until I give up on controlling my seizures?

11:40 Can epilepsy be cured by medications?

Look for new episodes of Epilepsy Explained on the third Wednesday of every month here on CURE Epilepsy’s website and YouTube Channel.

Epilepsy Causes Explained

This month’s episode of Epilepsy Explained focuses on the various possible causes of epilepsy with Dr. Manisha Patel, PhD, Professor at the University of Colorado, Anschutz and Past President of the American Epilepsy Society.

In “Epilepsy Causes Explained”, Dr. Patel answers the following questions.

0:16 How does a person get epilepsy?

1:00 What is meant by a structural cause of epilepsy?

1:48 What are the genetic causes of epilepsy?

2:51 How can an infection turn into epilepsy?

3:46 What is a metabolic disorder and how does that cause epilepsy?

5:16 What is auto-immune epilepsy?

6:38 Are these all the ways that a person can get epilepsy?

Look for new episodes of Epilepsy Explained on the third Wednesday of every month here on CURE Epilepsy’s website and on our YouTube Channel.

 

Diagnosing Epilepsy Explained

This month’s episode of Epilepsy Explained focuses on how epilepsy is diagnosed and features Dr. David E. Burdette, MD, Epilepsy Section Chief at Corewell West Health System.

In “Diagnosing Epilepsy Explained”, Dr. Burdette answers the following questions.

0:18 How can you tell if you or someone around you is having or has had a seizure?

2:24 Do you have to experience more than one seizure before you can be diagnosed with epilepsy?

4:32 What type of doctor should I see to diagnose epilepsy?

6:36 What medical tests are used to diagnose epilepsy?

8:50 What is the difference between a seizure type and an epilepsy syndrome?



Look for new episodes of Epilepsy Explained on the third Wednesday of every month here on our website and on CURE Epilepsy’s YouTube Channel.

Seizures Explained

The first episode of CURE Epilepsy’s new monthly video series Epilepsy Explained focuses on seizures. Dr. Kristen Park, Pediatric Neurologist at Children’s Hospital of Colorado, explains the basics of seizures.

In this episode, entitled “Seizures Explained”, Dr. Park answers the following questions.

0:16 What happens in the brain when a seizure occurs?

1:57 What is the difference between seizures and epilepsy?

4:09 How many different types of seizures are there?

6:20 How long does a seizure last?

8:05 What are the phases of a seizure?

Look for new episodes of Epilepsy Explained on the third Wednesday of every month.