Responsive neurostimulation of the anterior nucleus of thalamus for drug-resistant epilepsy: 5-year outcomes
Summary
A 5-year prospective follow-up of 58 patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy implanted with NeuroPace RNS System targeting the anterior nucleus of the thalamus showed median 72% seizure frequency reduction at 5 years, with 35% achieving >90% reduction. The study demonstrated durable and often improving response with longer stimulation duration — a pattern unique to responsive neurostimulation compared to conventional continuous ANT-DBS.
Why it matters
RNS targeting ANT showing 72% seizure reduction at 5 years with improving rather than stable response is a compelling long-term outcome dataset. The improving response pattern suggests RNS promotes ongoing neuroplastic changes rather than just acutely suppressing seizures — a mechanistically important distinction that explains why outcomes improve over years of stimulation.
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