UK Boy Receives World’s First Skull-Inserted Epilepsy Device

Oran Knowlson, a Somerset child, is the world’s first patient to test an advanced neurostimulator device attached to his skull.

According to ‘Metro’ reports, this device has significantly improved his quality of life by reducing his daily seizures by 80%.

Oran, 13, was diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome when he was three years old, a severe form of epilepsy that is difficult to treat.

He might fall, shake uncontrollably, and lose sleep as a result of the multiple seizures he has every day—sometimes hundreds of them. His breathing becomes uncontrolled during severe seizures, needed emergency care.

A Surgical Technique

Oran underwent surgery in October to insert the Picostim neurostimulator as part of a study at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital.

To prevent or interfere with abnormal impulses that cause seizures, this device sends electrical signals deep into the brain.

The neurostimulator’s constant current pulse designed to stabilize brain activity.

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Electrodes Placed into the Brain

During the surgery, two electrodes placed into Oran’s brain to reach the area known as the thalamus, which is an important location for transferring neurological information.

The electrodes connect to the neurostimulator, a small device placed through a hole in Oran’s skull. Screwing the neurostimulator into the surrounding skull ensures its secure placement.

This device’s position in the skull eliminates possible complications, in contrast to previous neurostimulators that were placed in the chest, as reported by Metro.

Positive Results

Oran’s mother, Justine, said to BBC that since the device was installed, Oran has seen a noticeable increase in his quality of life and is happier.

His epilepsy had taken over his life, causing him to miss out on his youth. Despite having autism and ADHD, his epilepsy remains the most important challenge.

As part of the CADET project, the experiment examines the safety and success of deep brain stimulation in addressing severe epilepsy.

Lead surgeon Martin Tisdall told to the BBC that he feels the trial validates deep brain stimulation’s usefulness in treating severe epilepsy.

For youngsters, the device’s placement on the skull is quite beneficial. Oran has since adopted the regular practice of charging the device and using wireless headphones in his daily routine. 

Three more children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome will equip with deep brain neurostimulators as part of this experiment.

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Who is Oran Knowlson?

Oran Knowlson, a 13-year-old from Somerset, UK, is the first patient to test an improved neurostimulator device implanted in his skull.

What condition does Oran have?

Oran was diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy when he was three years old.

What is an Epileptic Seizure?

An epileptic seizure is a sudden burst of electrical activity in the brain, causing temporary changes in behavior, sensations, or consciousness.

Seizures can vary from brief, minor symptoms to severe, convulsive episodes, and they often result from neurological disorders like epilepsy.

What is the purpose of the neurostimulator device?

The Picostim neurostimulator sends electrical signals deep into the brain to prevent or interfere with abnormal impulses that cause seizures.

How the device implanted?

During surgery at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital, two electrodes placed into Oran’s brain to reach the thalamus, and the neurostimulator secured through a hole in his skull.

What has been the impact of the device on Oran’s life?

The device has reduced Oran’s daily seizures by 80%, significantly improving his quality of life.

What is the CADET project?

The CADET project studies the safety and success of deep brain stimulation in treating severe epilepsy.

What are the outcomes of the trial so far?

According to lead surgeon Martin Tisdall, the trial supports the effectiveness of deep brain stimulation in treating severe epilepsy, with Oran showing significant improvement.

How does the device placement differ from previous neurostimulators?

Unlike earlier neurostimulators placed in the chest, the Picostim device placed in the skull, reducing potential complications.

What to do when someone has a Seizure?

When someone has a seizure, stay calm and keep them safe by clearing the area of hazards. Cushion their head, turn them on their side to aid breathing, and time the seizure.

Stay with them until it ends naturally, and seek medical help if it lasts longer than five minutes or if they are injured or have difficulty breathing afterwards.