In a remarkable breakthrough, a pioneering clinical trial in the UK is using deep brain stimulation to treat epilepsy in children, and the results are promising. Oran, a teenager who has been plagued by severe epileptic seizures for eight years, has become the first patient in this groundbreaking trial. Since the implantation of the device at Great Ormond Street Hospital in October 2023, his daytime seizures have decreased by an astounding 80%.
Oran’s journey with epilepsy has been incredibly challenging. The frequent and severe seizures he experienced often required resuscitation, significantly impacting his quality of life. However, at the age of 12, Oran underwent a life-changing procedure. He became the first child in the UK to have a deep brain stimulation device implanted, and just eight months later, the results have been extraordinary. The frequency and severity of his seizures have dramatically reduced, offering him and his family a newfound hope.
The innovative device is designed to be mounted onto the skull, with electrodes placed deep within the brain to help reduce seizure activity. This marks the first UK clinical trial to measure the effectiveness of this treatment in children with epilepsy. The trial, known as CADET (Children’s Adaptive Deep brain stimulation for Epilepsy Trial), aims to recruit three additional patients before expanding to a full trial with 22 participants. The initial phase is funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering, while the full trial is supported by GOSH Charity and LifeArc. The study is sponsored by University College London.
This groundbreaking trial could pave the way for new, effective treatments for epilepsy in children, offering hope to many families. Oran’s experience is a testament to the potential of deep brain stimulation, and the medical community is eager to see how this treatment can change the lives of more children in the future.
https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2024-06-26-first-uk-trial-deep-brain-stimulation-children-epilepsy-begins
To be planned
Interview with Sibylle Harth, ISD regarding the usage of Generative AI
Q1: How do you use Generative AI in your daily life?
Q2: What do you believe are Generative AI’s strengths and weaknesses in relation to education specifically knowledge acquisition?
Q3: What advice would you give to educators? Students? regarding their approach to GAI?
