What is RNS?
- The Responsive Neurostimulation System (RNS) is a small device that manages and treats seizures at their source. We implant the device in your child’s brain to reduce seizures and improve their quality of life.
- It monitors brain waves and responds to activity that looks like a seizure. The response is a small burst of stimulation to stop the seizure.
|
Is RNS right for my child?
- RNS is designed for people who continue to have seizures after trying 2 seizure medicines.
- RNS may be right for your child if they cannot have epilepsy surgery or if epilepsy surgery does not control their seizures. We recommend RNS in addition to seizure medicines (called adjunctive treatment).
- We can remove the RNS device in the future if needed.
|
What happens before surgery?
- Your child’s provider will order a series of tests referred to as Phase 1 evaluation. These tests help us learn about your child’s brain and seizures.
- After completion of Phase 1 testing, your child’s provider will let you know if RNS is a good treatment option.
|
How is this device implanted?
- We implant the device in an operating room. We will give your child medicine, so they are fully asleep during the surgery (anesthesia).
- The neurosurgeon will make a small cut (incision) in your child’s scalp and then secure the device inside their skull. Once placed, it cannot move. We place thin wires connected to the RNS in the areas of your child’s brain where seizures begin.
- The device records brain wave patterns along with activity that may look like seizures.
|
What happens after surgery? |
Programming Phase:
- A doctor who specializes in epilepsy (epileptologist) will program the device during a follow-up clinic visit.
- After we program the device, your child will not feel the stimulation when it’s active. It does not cause pain or any unusual feelings.
|
How do I save the EEG data on the RNS?
- EEG stands for electroencephalogram, which is a measurement of electrical activity in the brain. You will need to have Wi-Fi access to the internet, so you can download data and send it to us.
- We will give you a small wand and computer/tablet for the RNS device. You will use the wand to download information from the device to the tablet once a day.
- Once a week, upload the data to the online database. This database provides your child’s epileptologist important information about how often your child has seizures (frequency) and the brain wave activity.
|
What are possible side effects?
- Your child may feel a muscle twitch or flash of light. Usually, side effects are mild, and children don’t mind them.
|
Are there safety issues?
- This implanted device affects the ability to safely have an MRI (magnetic resonance image).
- If your child needs an MRI, your child’s neurologist will need to turn it off beforehand.
|
What is the RNS magnet?
- The RNS magnet is used to trigger the RNS device to record the brain activity at the time of a seizure.
- Use the RNS magnet anytime a seizure occurs by swiping it over the RNS device and counting to 3.
- The magnet swipe will not deliver any therapy or treatment.
|
Where can I get more information?
|
