Improving the effectiveness of ANT DBS therapy for refractory epilepsy

Jukka Peltola, MD, PhD, University Hospital of Tampere, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland, outlines ongoing efforts to maximize the efficacy of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the anterior nucleus of the thalamus (ANT) for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy. Several studies have looked into the importance of contact location, finding in some cases that repositioning of contacts can improve responses. Dr Peltola also discusses alternative surgical techniques, such as using a lateral approach to avoid transventricular access. Individualized programming is also a work-in-progress, with some evidence to suggest that changes in DBS programming or repositioning of contacts may improve responses on an individual basis. This interview took place at the 14th European Epilepsy Congress (EEC) 2022 in Geneva, Switzerland.