Recommendations for Treating Epilepsy in the Clinical Space: Christopher Elder, MD

Treatments for epilepsy have been effective but have been also limited over time, with many failing to control seizures in individuals with the seizure disorder. These difficulties with care and the stigma attached to the condition are challenges that drive the lack of exploration around it in research associated with brain surgery options and identifying the candidates who would most benefit from it.

Stimulation devices, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) and responsive neurostimulation (RNS), are additional FDA-approved options for treatment in individuals with epilepsy. These devices are examples of the treatments available that may help alleviate the difficulties in difficult-to-control seizures while providing a new treatment for clinicians to offer, in particularly for patients with refractory epilepsy.

In a recent conversation with NeurologyLive®, Christopher Elder, MD, clinical assistant professor, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, NYU Langone Health, discussed recommendations for the future of clinical care in treating epilepsy such as the prescribing of antiseizure medications and using devices like DBS and RNS for seizure disorders. He also spoke about the potential progress of treatments provided by neurologists and nonneurologists besides surgery, that have a less invasive approach.