Drug-resistant epilepsy, also known as intractable epilepsy or refractory epilepsy, is defined as the failure of at least two anti-seizure drugs.
Approximately 1 in 26 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with epilepsy in their lifetime. Out of the people living with epilepsy, more than 1 million Americans still experience seizures despite taking anti-seizure medication.
If you or a loved one have tried two medications, there is less than a 5% chance that a third medication will control your seizures.
Chen, Z. et. al. JAMA Neurology, 2018
Focal Epilepsy vs. Generalized Epilepsy
Seizures are generally described as either focal seizures (partial onset) or generalized seizures based on where and how they begin.
- Focal seizures begin with an electrical discharge in one or two parts of the brain referred to as the seizure focus. While it starts in one area, it can spread to or involve other areas as well (“secondary generalized”).
- Generalized seizures begin with widespread electrical discharge that involves the entire brain at once.
Focal Epilepsy vs. Generalized Epilepsy
Seizures are generally described as either focal seizures (partial onset) or generalized seizures based on where and how they begin.
- Focal seizures begin with an electrical discharge in one or two parts of the brain referred to as the seizure focus. While it starts in one area, it can spread to or involve other areas as well (“secondary generalized”).
- Generalized seizures begin with widespread electrical discharge that involves the entire brain at once.
Why find the right drug-resistant epilepsy treatment for you?
Living with uncontrolled seizures, or drug-resistant epilepsy, can have several risks including:
- Epilepsy-related injury
- Increased emotional and behavioral problems
- Memory problems
- Poorer occupational outcomes
- Increased risk of side effects to multiple anti-seizure medications
- Increased risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP)1
What is SUDEP?
SUDEP is defined as a sudden unexpected death of an individual with epilepsy who was otherwise healthy.1
Each year 1 in 150 people with uncontrolled seizures die from SUDEP.
Tomson, et al., Lancet Neurology, 2008
Drug-Resistant Focal Epilepsy Treatment Options
Epilepsy Surgery |
Neuromodulation Devices |
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| Resective Surgery | Laser Ablation2 | VNS Therapy3 & DBS Therapy2 | The RNS® System | |
| Targets the source of your seizures |
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| Preserves brain tissue |
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| Adjustable therapy |
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| Recognizes and responds to brain activity |
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Epilepsy Surgery |
|
|---|---|
| Resective Surgery | |
| Targets the source of your seizures |
|
| Preserves brain tissue | |
| Adjustable therapy | |
| Recognizes and responds to brain activity | |
1. Epilepsy Foundation Website, 2021. 2. Medtronic Website, 2021. 3. LivaNova Website, 2021.
