CIMIT Summer Education Series 2007
Statistics show that epileptic seizures affect 60 million people around the world, including about 60,000 in Massachusetts. About a third of patients continue to have seizures despite available therapies. Many clinicians in the field say that using non-invasive technology to detect the onset of seizures in time to minimize consequences is a major unmet challenge. Steven Schachter, MD, was one speaker at the July 17 Forum that focused on epilepsy and other ailments associated with neurotechnology. It was the second in a four part series, “Neurotechnology: Translating Basic Discoveries into Clinical Promise.” Dr. Schachter addressed the subject of “Decoding Cortical Electrophysiology for the Detection of Seizures.” He is a professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School; director of research, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; associate director, clinical research, Harvard Medical School Osher Institute; founder and editor of “Epilepsy and Behavior,” a periodical and Epilepsy.com; CIMIT program leader for neurotechnology; and CIMIT site miner for BIDMC. His research involves using vagus nerve stimulation, which is an adjunctive treatment for certain types of intractable forms of epilepsy. VNS uses a stimulator that sends electric impulses to the left vagus nerve in the neck via a lead implanted under the skin. Dr. Schachter is using his skill as a clinician to develop a system that will help patients and doctor to identify the onset of a seizure. Dr. John Guttag, is Dugald C. Jackson Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT. He is working closely with Dr. Schachter to determine the statistically most accurate approach to determine the success of their methods. The team is considering looking into other diseases that result in seizures or neuro-episodes. Dr. Guttag said they are seeking collaborators in their upcoming work. |
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