What is RNS and how can it help people living with epilepsy

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 it, how it differs from other neuromodulation devices, and what patients can expect from RNS. In “RNS Explained”, Dr. Richardson answers the following questions.

0:00 Intro

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?

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CURE Epilepsy is the leading, non-governmental funder of epilepsy research. Since its inception in 1998, CURE Epilepsy has raised more than $90 million to fund epilepsy research and other initiatives that will lead the way to cures for the epilepsies. CURE Epilepsy funds grants for young and established investigators and to–date has awarded more than 285 cutting-edge projects in 18 countries around the world. Our mission is to find a cure for epilepsy, by promoting and funding patient-focused research.

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[shanemahler]

I'll be getting this at Duke in May, I had no luck w meds or the VNS, and I didn't get approved for the cellular study, but I'm excited about this device, aprox 75% reduction means I could potentially get back to driving or at least only deal with very controlled focal siezures. Thanks for the video!

[kimberly]

Gonna be getting this soon. I really hope it works because I've been having so many seizures and nothing has been working, no medication, not even a vagus nerve stimulator (vns device) 😢that I had placed In 2019. I have what is called refractory epilepsy and it has been hard to find things that will actually work for me. I'm tired of having seizures despite taking medication or having a vns implant and even doing keto. I feel like doing this is my last option or brain surgery. I'm praying ❤

[robotguy]

Thank you for providing this insightful look into RNS Devices. Where can I find out more information about the durability of the RNS device? High impact sports are removed, but can I still play soccer or wrestle on the ground with my children?

[anwaranwar-jewr]

Hi I am new here and recently was diagnosed with having seizures. I dont have the Grandmal seizures, but I have the partial seizures. This is an embarrassing question to ask, but does anyone here think that certain sounds can trigger a seizure? Sometimes the feeling of de javu comes on after I hear a certain word, or maybe sound. I cant ever remember what it is after words.
  Also I might be watching tv, or doing nothing and suddenly a word, not even a word sometimes ( more like a made up word ) will pop into my head and it gives me the feeling that a siezure is going to happen. I know this sounds crazy, but if anyone can relate I would appreciate it greatly.