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About epilepsy
What the condition is, who it affects, and why current treatments leave many patients without a good option.
A neurological condition characterised by seizures
Nearly three million Americans suffer from epilepsy. Seizures are caused by electrical energy in the brain that disrupts normal function, and can range from a brief disruption of senses to unconsciousness and convulsions.
Although there are some known causes for epilepsy — including brain trauma, tumors, strokes and genetics — in 7 out of 10 cases, no clear cause can be found. Epilepsy affects all ages, but the incidence is highest in the very young and elderly patients. It is estimated that 200,000 new cases of epilepsy are diagnosed each year. There is no cure for epilepsy.
One of the most common neurological diseases, epilepsy affects approximately 1% of the population — 1 in 26 people will have epilepsy in their lifetime.
Current therapies
Effective for some, not for all
Epilepsy therapies range from drug treatments and ketogenic diets to brain surgery and implanted device therapy.
Anti-epileptic drugs are one of the more effective therapies, with about 50% of patients being able to control their seizures. However, in many cases these drugs can cause severe side effects, most notably sedation, dramatically affecting quality of life. It is estimated that 20% of patients are refractory to anti-epileptic drugs — the treatment has no effect on their seizures.
Alternative treatments include Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) and Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). In VNS, electrical energy is sent to the brain via the vagus nerve. In DBS, electrodes are used to stimulate the brain; studies are still being conducted and early indicators suggest low efficacy rates. VNS is approved for patients refractory to anti-seizure drugs, while DBS is still undergoing clinical trials.
- Americans affectedNearly 3 million
- Lifetime incidence1 in 26
- New diagnosesAbout 200,000 a year
- No clear cause7 in 10 cases
- Drug controlAbout 50% of patients
- RefractoryAbout 20% of patients
Where Neurolink fits
For patients with no good option, the company is developing a therapy that delivers locally instead of systemically — and aims to anticipate seizures rather than only respond to them.