Precision Neuromodulation
Therapies for Epilepsy

Epilepsy in a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures that affects approximately 1% of the American population. Unfortunately, around 40% of patients with epilepsy cannot be adequately treated with medication. These patients have two options for further treatment. (1) The region of the brain from which the seizures originate can be surgically removed. (2) Electrodes can be implanted in the brain to deliver an electric jolt capable of suppressing seizures. The use of electrical stimulation to affect the brain is called neuromodulation, and it is the focus of our epilepsy research. Neuromodulation has previously demonstrated a capacity to reduce the number of patient seizures. However, previous iterations of neuromodulation did not assist all patients and often demonstrated unfortunate side effects. To increase the efficacy of neuromodulation in seizure suppression, we are engaged in a multi-prong effort. We are conducting research involving the application of computerized neuromodulation in virtual simulations of epileptic brains, and we are nearing the start of a series of non-human primate tests in which we will develop a variety of methods to optimize neuromodulation.