Neurosurgeons at Polenov Neurosurgical Institute (branch of Almazov Centre) successfully performed the first surgery in the North-West region to implant the neurostimulation system targeting the anterior thalamic nuclei for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy.
Neurostimulation involves delivering constant electrical impulses to brain structures.
The surgery on the 34-year-old patient was performed by neurosurgeons of Functional Neurosurgery Department No. 2 headed by Victoria Nezdorovina. Thanks to the joint efforts of neurologists, anesthesiologists, neurosurgeons, neuroimaging specialists and electrophysiologists, the surgery was successful and without complications. In the future, it is planned to adjust the stimulation parameters of the system.
Deep brain stimulation of the anterior thalamic nuclei is a relatively safe and highly effective procedure for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy that cannot be controlled by drug therapy. It is also one of the few effective treatments in cases when it is impossible to remove the epileptic focus. A significant advantage of the method is its minimal invasiveness – the surgery requires just two small incisions.
In the clinical trial called SANTE, the stimulation of the anterior nucleus of the thalamus in epilepsy demonstrated efficacy in a sustained and significant reduction of epileptic seizures.
Such a complex surgical intervention was possible only thanks to a multidisciplinary approach, modern high-tech equipment of Almazov Centre and high professionalism of doctors.