Epilepsy is a disease caused by disruptions in the electrical activity of the brain. Such disruptions lead to different types of seizures, which manifest in various ways (partial, generalized, absences, etc.).
The accepted treatment for epilepsy is therapy with antiepileptic drugs. Approximately two-thirds of patients with epilepsy will respond to drug treatment. The remaining third will be drug-resistant and continue to suffer from seizures, despite having tried 3-2 appropriate medications for their type of epilepsy, at the correct dosage, consistently, and on a daily basis. It is known that the likelihood of achieving seizure freedom in drug-resistant patients is 5%, and this probability decreases with more trials of different medications.
In a very small portion of treated patients, it is possible to perform brain surgery to remove the epileptic focus in the brain when one focal point has been identified and is located in a non-functional area (so the removal will not cause any neurological damage). In cases where brain surgery is not suitable, we offer patients treatment with VNS (Vagal Nerve Stimulation). This treatment involves a relatively simple surgical procedure in which a small device, about the size of a wristwatch, is implanted under the skin in the chest. From this device, a wire electrode (subcutaneous) is connected and wrapped around the left Vagus nerve in the neck region.
VNS treatment has accumulated extensive experience worldwide, with over 120,000 patients suffering from drug-resistant epilepsy treated with VNS in more than 70 countries, including the United States. The treatment has been included in Israel's medication basket for over ten years. Numerous studies conducted over two decades or more on hundreds of patients found that VNS treatment is effective in reducing the frequency, intensity, and duration of seizures, as well as shortening the recovery time after a seizure. 7% of patients achieve complete freedom from seizures after VNS treatment. Scientific studies show that about two-thirds of patients reduce by more than half the number of seizures following VNS treatment, and the effectiveness of treatment increases as time passes from the beginning of VNS therapy. Additionally, significant improvement has been found in various parameters of the patient's quality of life, such as alertness, vitality, mood improvement, memory improvement, academic achievements, and concentration.
Recently, the new VNS model ASPIRE SR model 106 has been developed, combining the known activity of VNS with new technology that enables automatic device activation when there is a new increase in heart rate typical of the onset of a seizure. It has been found that more than 80% of patients experience seizures that are accompanied by a new increase in heart rate at their onset. Based on the device's ability to detect this increase, high-intensity pulses are sent to prevent or weaken the intensity of the incoming seizure.
Dr. Raiz has extensive experience with dozens of successful implants of VNS and Vagal Nerve Stimulators. It should be noted that patients come after a comprehensive assessment by a specialized neurologist in epilepsy, and after a joint discussion with Dr. Raiz and a conversation with the family, a date for the implantation is set. During the child's neurosurgery, a coordinating nurse is present, whose role is to guide and accompany the family and the patient regarding the hospitalization process before and after the surgery.
We are proud to treat patients who come from all over the country, providing them with the most professional and humane treatment.