EEC 2022 | Advancing the use of neuromodulation in epilepsy

Linda Dalic, MBBS, PhD Candidate, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia, comments on the lack of clinical use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in epilepsy in certain nations, despite its approval some years ago. The pivotal SANTE (Stimulation of Anterior Nucleus of the Thalamus for Epilepsy; NCT00101933) trial, published in 2010, was the first trial of DBS to the anterior nucleus of the thalamus in medically refractory patients, demonstrating a significant reduction in seizure frequency and sustained efficacy over time. Despite this evidence, use of DBS is still limited predominantly to research settings. Dr Dalic discusses the key questions that still need addressing in focal epilepsy and beyond. This interview took place at the 14th European Epilepsy Congress (EEC) 2022 in Geneva, Switzerland.