Adam hoping trial can end his epilepsy seizures

AN epilepsy patient is hoping an “exciting” new brain implant could offer hope for the future and help end debilitating daily seizures.

- By SAM VOLPE Health reporter [e-mail]

Adam Atkinson, 22, who lives in Whitehaven, Cumbria, spent three months in a coma at the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) seven years ago after becoming ill with a rare condition called seronegative autoimmune encephalitis.

While he was able to wake up and return home, the condition left the high-flying lad with a serious brain injury - and a form of “refractory epilepsy,” which means his condition does not respond to medication.

He struggles with seizures on a daily basis, and his mum Victoria explained that - as he doesn’t know when he has had one - they could even be happening more regularly than that. However, thanks to the team at the RVI, Adam has been able to join an innovative clinical trial which has seen an implant fitted into his brain.

The device uses brainwave monitoring technology to monitor accurate data about the strength and frequency of seizures. This means that for the first time Adam's condition can be accurately tracked, meaning medics can better understand what causes them and what could in future be done to help treat them.

The team at the RVI are among just five nationwide currently part of the trial, and recently carried out surgery to place five of the implants in the brains of those living with seizures.