Epilepsy has increasingly become a major disorder affecting people all over the world. Neuroscience for epilepsy and alternative solutions has become a topic of high priority. Epilepsy, explained by epilepsy.com, is a neurological disorder that translates in into multiple seizures, or “seizure disorder.” According to Cadence, an early stage neuroscience medical device treatment company, epilepsy affects 60 million people worldwide.
Unlike other disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, there is no set age for epilepsy. In fact, epilepsy is most common in children and youth. All episodes of multiple seizures are believed to have developed from neurological factors that we have yet to fully understand.
Some common triggers of epilepsy are stress, malnutrition, alcohol or drug use, certain medications, flashing lights or patterns, amongst a few others. Although not thought of to be hereditary, the likelihood of developing epilepsy if a parent has similar symptoms is slightly higher.
What are some common treatments for epilepsy. There are anti-seizure medications that have been incrementally effective. There are also, in some smaller cases, surgical procedures that can remove “trouble areas” that are more likely to cause abnormal seizure activities. Despite these options, there is still little that can be done if symptoms continue within patients.
New Neuroscience for Seizure Patients
Cadence claims to have a commercial solution involving a medical devise implants that can engineer cortical stimulation to ultimately decrease or eliminate seizures within anti-seizure drug resistant patients. The Cadence has been developed over a 10+ year partnership with the Mayo Clinic, a not-for-profit research laboratory focused on studies of the human brain.
According to an article published by NBC right now, Cadence has secured $15 million in series A funding for commercialization of their neuroscience treatment for epilepsy.
Cadence is commercializing a novel neuromodulation therapy for treating pediatric and adult patients with focal drug resistant epilepsy that was developed by a Mayo Clinic, Rochester campus Neurology and Neurosurgery team led by Gregory Worrell M.D., Ph.D., Mathew Stead M.D. Ph.D., Brian Lundstrom M.D. Ph.D., Ben Brinkmann Ph.D., and Jamie VanGompel, M.D. The therapy utilizes chronic subthreshold cortical stimulation to modulate EEG biomarkers associated with epilepsy to reduce or eliminate seizures. The company will use the Series A funds to develop the technology, conduct clinical studies, and pursue FDA approval.
“The Cadence team has extensive domain expertise in developing active neural implants and conducting first-in-human clinical studies.” said Kent Leyde, Cadence’s co-founder and Chief Executive Officer. “We also have a proven history of very successful collaborations with the Mayo team that will allow us to combine our technical experience with their clinical research expertise.” “Initial clinical results from Mayo Clinic are extremely encouraging, demonstrating remarkable and durable seizure reduction with many patients receiving seizure freedom,” said Doug Sheffield, V.M.D., Ph.D., co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer. “We are especially excited about the opportunity to provide an effective therapy for drug resistant pediatric epilepsy patients.”
“Our New Therapy Commercialization Grants program funds research and the development of innovative therapies that lead to cures for people with epilepsy,” said Sonya Dumanis, Ph.D., senior director of innovation at the EFA. “The therapy developed by Dr. Worrell and his team is promising and provides hope for those who struggle to gain seizure control. We are excited to see this potential new therapy move onto the next phase of development and clinical studies.”
To read the full story click here…
New neuroscience for epilepsy and alternative solutions are seemingly revolutionary for the industry. There is opposition for critics that are against drastic implant procedures from a portion of demographics. The opposition may be explained from medical device implants as the basis of what one might equate to a science fiction fear of over intrusion as a gateway into the future of technology implants within humans that could then lead to malpractice.
Despite this option that may still serve as highly useful in the advancement of epilepsy, are there other alternative solutions to consider? Some epilepsy patients that don’t want to go through medical procedures have been taking natural approaches to understand neuroscience for epilepsy and alternative solutions through supplements and holistic research.
Holistic Alternatives for Seizures
Some researchers believe the solution to unlocking some key mysteries involving epilepsy may be found within natural solutions. It is known that in some cases seizures do derive from stress, drug use, caffeine, sleep deprivation, deficiencies or malnutrition. For these reason, there are some experts that have been looking to cannabis as studies has shown that it has been a positive approach to all the above triggers.
Despite controversy and unapproved FDA supplements, cannabinol (CBD) has been a popular alternative that has been gaining large momentum over the last few years. The reason is primarily due to the overwhelming research of case studies that have been published by researchers. There is one form of CBD that has been approved for children 2 years of age and older by the FDA, that is Epidiolex. According to epilepsy.com, “Early evidence from laboratory studies, anecdotal reports, and small clinical studies over a number of years suggest that cannabidiol (CBD) could potentially help control seizures.” Hemp has been a historical stimulate mental neurological patterns of which modern neuroscience that been exploring.
Aside from studies, there has been several testimonials that have risen supporting evidence of CBD reverse effects on epilepsy. Experts believe this market shift has been one of the primary factors driving law makers to lift bands on individualized growth of hemp.
Ultimately, there is still much to be learned about neuroscience for epilepsy and alternative solutions. As we continue to expand consciousness and awareness on this subject matter we can expect to unlock more breakthrough research.
For more information and reports regarding this topic and other new developments, subscribe to our insights publication and register for an account to receive exclusive updates.