Imagine waking up every day without the fear of seizures after enduring years of suffering. For 17-year-old Clara Fuller, this dream became a reality through the groundbreaking advancements in brain implant technology. Her remarkable journey from living with relentless seizures to embracing a normal teenage life showcases the incredible potential of modern medical innovations.

Clara’s Struggle with Epilepsy

At the tender age of 13, Clara began experiencing uncontrollable seizures that left both her and her doctors perplexed. Initially misdiagnosed with anxiety and gallbladder issues, she even underwent an unnecessary surgical procedure before receiving the correct diagnosis: multifocal epilepsy. This rare and severe form of epilepsy is known for resisting conventional medications, leaving Clara trapped in a cycle of seizures.

“Every night I would have seizures, up to 10, and it was just miserable,” Clara reflected on the years stolen from her due to her condition. The toll it took on her adolescence was profound, filled with sleepless nights and constant medical challenges that robbed her of the joys typical for teenagers.

A Game-Changing Procedure

Everything changed last summer when Clara became the first pediatric patient to receive a revolutionary minimally invasive treatment at the Mayo Clinic, utilizing NeuroOne’s state-of-the-art brain implant technology. The device, known as the NeuroOne OneRF Ablation System, is groundbreaking as it is the first FDA-cleared technology designed to diagnose and treat neurological disorders in a single procedure.

“The procedure took about 30 minutes, and most of the time was spent setting everything up,” Clara explained, reflecting on the life-altering experience.

Dr. Brin Freund, a neurologist at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, elaborated on Clara’s unique case. “Clara had a history of uncontrolled seizures that medications failed to manage. In such cases, surgical intervention may be the only viable option to reduce or potentially eliminate the seizures. After a thorough evaluation, we decided to implant electrodes in her brain to pinpoint the source of her seizures and develop a targeted surgical plan.”

Innovative Technology at Work

The NeuroOne system utilizes ultra-thin electrodes to accurately identify the origins of seizures in the brain. Once located, it employs radiofrequency energy to disrupt abnormal electrical signals in the affected brain tissue, all while preserving the surrounding areas. This dual capability—diagnostic and therapeutic—is what distinguishes it from traditional methods that typically require separate surgeries.

“What sets our technology apart is that it allows for diagnosis and treatment in one hospitalization,” explained Dave Rosa, CEO of NeuroOne. This efficiency significantly reduces risks for patients by minimizing the number of required procedures.

Dr. Freund emphasized the precision of the NeuroOne electrodes, stating, “These electrodes enable us to localize seizure onset with great accuracy. They also allow us to perform the necessary ablation while still implanted, avoiding the need for another invasive procedure that could carry higher risks.”

A Life-Changing Outcome

The results for Clara have been nothing short of extraordinary. Since her procedure, she has remained completely seizure-free, allowing her to return to the activities she loves—school, sports, and enjoying uninterrupted sleep. These simple pleasures, which many take for granted, were once beyond her reach.

According to Dr. Freund, Clara responded exceptionally well to the implantation, with no adverse effects. “After the first ablation, there were no complications. We conducted a second ablation days later, ensuring any ongoing seizure activity was addressed. Clara has been seizure-free ever since, and we’ve seen no negative repercussions from the procedure.”

Clara’s story provides hope for the approximately one-third of the 3 million Americans living with drug-resistant epilepsy. Rosa remarked, “Our commitment is to expand ablation therapy to those suffering from seizures unresponsive to medication.”

Future Applications of NeuroOne Technology

NeuroOne’s innovative technology holds promise beyond epilepsy treatment. The company aims to expand its applications to pain management for conditions like facial and lower back pain using similar radiofrequency ablation technology. Rosa sees immense potential in treating various neurological conditions.

Dr. Freund believes this technology could revolutionize long-term care for pediatric epilepsy patients like Clara. “This advancement could significantly reduce the number of procedures required for treating drug-resistant epilepsy while providing immediate feedback on the effectiveness of surgical treatments.”

As this technology gains traction, its impact could become widespread. “In our practice, we now use these electrodes in every case requiring Stereo EEG for drug-resistant epilepsy treatments. As more centers adopt this technology, its utilization will likely become standard.”

Inspiring Hope and Change

Clara’s inspiring transition from a life constrained by seizures to one filled with freedom and normalcy underscores the transformative power of medical technology. Her experience offers a beacon of hope for those grappling with drug-resistant epilepsy and other neurological conditions.

As technology continues to evolve, we can anticipate even more revolutionary treatments that will change lives for the better. As Dave Rosa highlighted, the future promises fewer surgeries and safer outcomes for patients.

If you or someone you know has epilepsy, would you consider exploring innovative treatments like this? Share your thoughts by reaching out to us.

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