Intermountain Healthcare Places 100 Epilepsy Brain Implants, Cutting Seizures by 75% on Average
Updated
Updated · KSL.com · Jul 11
Intermountain Healthcare Places 100 Epilepsy Brain Implants, Cutting Seizures by 75% on Average
3 articles · Updated · KSL.com · Jul 11
Summary
100 responsive neurostimulator implants have now been placed by Intermountain Healthcare since 2015, a decade-long milestone for patients whose epilepsy is not controlled by medication.
The 2-inch device monitors brain waves around the clock and delivers pulses within milliseconds to interrupt seizures, while doctors use uploaded data to fine-tune treatment over time.
About one-third of people who have seizures develop epilepsy, and while roughly two-thirds can manage it with drugs, the implant is reserved for focal epilepsy when medications fail and insurers approve coverage.
Intermountain says the implant reduces seizures by 75% on average, with studies showing 75% of patients achieve more than a 50% reduction and some going months without seizures.
Patients still face limits — the battery lasts about 10 years and replacement needs another surgery — but doctors say the device is expanding options and improving daily life for many recipients.
With a 10-year battery life, what happens when patients cannot afford the required replacement surgery?
This brain implant offers a 'normal life,' but what are the hidden risks and failure rates for patients?
Will AI wearables soon make invasive brain implants for epilepsy a thing of the past?
Landmark 100th RNS Implant at Intermountain Health Marks Major Leap in Epilepsy Therapy
Overview
Intermountain Health has reached a major milestone by successfully performing its 100th responsive neurostimulation (RNS) brain implant procedure, marking significant progress in advanced epilepsy care. The RNS System is an innovative brain implant designed to help manage focal epilepsy by continuously monitoring brain wave activity. When it detects unusual patterns that could lead to a seizure, it delivers brief, imperceptible electrical pulses to normalize brain activity. This achievement highlights Intermountain Health’s commitment to providing cutting-edge treatment and offers new hope to patients whose seizures have not responded to traditional medications.