Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation is an experimental new therapy for the treatment of seizures. The development of the stimulator was modeled after the Vagus Nerve Stimulator, an FDA approved, implanted device that provides regular electrical stimulation to the Vagus pathway. The Trigeminal Nerve Stimulator (TNS) also provides regular electrical stimulation along a similar pathway; however it is minimally invasive and can be applied to both sides of the nervous system. Currently, the TNS is worn externally, fastened with a belt on the head with electrodes located near the nose under the cheek bone or above the eye. As safety and efficacy of the device is established, it is anticipated that an implanted, internal device will be used.

The LSU Epilepsy Center of Excellence is sponsoring a short-term trial of the safety and feasibility of the Trigeminal Nerve Stimulator. In this preliminary study, the device will be evaluated for its effects on the EEG recorded from scalp and intracranial electrodes in persons being evaluated for epilepsy surgery. Consequently, the only persons eligible to participate are those already scheduled for 24-hour video/EEG monitoring with intracranial and scalp electrodes as part of a presurgical evaluation.

However, the LSU Epilepsy Center of Excellence is poised to join a NIH-sponsored, multi-site study of the long-term safety and feasibility of the TNS. Upon approval of this investigation, persons with epilepsy who have frequent seizures and may want to pursue surgical intervention (VNS implant, epilepsy surgery) will be invited to volunteer for a preliminary safety and efficacy study of the external version of the Trigeminal Nerve Stimulator.

(If you are interested in participating in this research study, please e-mail the Center at epicenter@lsuhsc.edu.)