Meet Oran Knowlson: A Teen Making History
Oran Knowlson, a teenager from the United Kingdom, has become the first person in the world to receive a revolutionary brain implant designed to control epileptic seizures. This innovative deep brain stimulation (DBS) implant has dramatically improved his life by reducing his daily seizures by 80%.
Understanding Epilepsy and Its Challenges
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes repeated seizures. Seizures are sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain, leading to various symptoms such as muscle jerking, temporary confusion, staring spells, or even loss of consciousness. The exact cause of epilepsy is often unknown, but factors like head injuries, brain tumours, and genetic conditions can increase the risk. While anti-seizure medications are the standard treatment, they are ineffective for about 30% of patients.
What is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)?
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) involves implanting an electrical stimulator in the brain to target specific areas. Initially used to treat movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease, DBS has also been explored as a treatment for epilepsy. In a typical DBS procedure, the device is placed under the skin in the chest, with wires connecting to the brain, where electrical pulses help regulate abnormal brain activity.
Innovation in Treatment: DBS Directly in the Brain
Surgeons made a ground – breaking advancement by implanting the DBS device directly into Oran Knowlson’s brain. The electrodes reach the thalamus, a critical area for sensory and movement signal transmission. This direct brain implantation aims to enhance the effectiveness of DBS in reducing seizures.
Procedure and Recovery
During the surgery, two electrodes were inserted deep into the brain and connected to a neurostimulator placed in the skull. Once Knowlson recovered from the surgery, the device was activated, leading to an immediate improvement in his seizure control. Remarkably, the device can be recharged electrically, simplifying patient care.
Economic Considerations of DBS
While DBS offers significant benefits, it is an expensive procedure. Dr. Manjari Tripathi from AIIMS, New Delhi, notes that the neurostimulator device alone costs around 12 lakh rupees, with the total cost, including surgery, potentially reaching 17 lakh rupees. In contrast, traditional brain surgery may cost between Rs 20,000 and Rs 30,000. Therefore, financial factors play a crucial role in choosing a treatment.
Oran Knowlson’s case marks a significant milestone in the medical field, showcasing the potential of advanced technologies like DBS to improve the quality of life for epilepsy patients. As research and innovation continue, such ground – breaking treatments offer hope for better management of neurological disorders.
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