Queen's Hospital patient gets pioneering epilepsy device

Suzanne Maylen, 60, from Rainham, was fitted with the EASEE device in April during surgery at Queen’s Hospital, Romford.

The device is designed to help control seizures in patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy.

The EASEE (epicranial application of simulation electrodes for epilepsy) device is implanted under the scalp and delivers electrical pulses to the brain to stabilise activity and reduce seizures.

It is described as a 'brain pacemaker' and could offer new hope to patients who do not respond to medication.

Ms Maylen has lived with epilepsy since she was 18 months old, experiencing up to 20 seizures per month, sometimes in clusters of four a day.

She said: "At times it can really affect your life, you have no control over what you’re saying or doing.

"I’ve tried many different medications over the years, some have had severe side effects, you can lose a couple of hours a day recovering from them.

"Having a long spell seizure free was fantastic, but they returned after I ended up in A&E on holiday in 2013 when I got sunstroke.

"No medication has helped since and I’d come to live with it."

Adele Larkin, lead epilepsy specialist nurse, said: "This device can be life-changing for patients.

"Antiseizure medication can have severe side effects; some patients struggle to think clearly, feel exhausted and it can impact their bone health and liver function.

"While seizures can mean they can’t drive or care for children on their own.

"One patient ironed their arm during a seizure.

"It’s small things we take for granted they often struggle with, and that can make them feel frustrated and helpless."

She explained the procedure is relatively short and minimally invasive.

Ms Larkin said: "The procedure itself is around an hour, a cut is made to place the device on the skull, and the battery is implanted under the collarbone, like a pacemaker.

"Wires under the skin connect the electrode on the skull to the battery.

"The data we have for this so far is really positive so there is huge potential for patients like Suzanne to have a much better quality of life."

Brain surgery was considered as a treatment option for Ms Maylen, but she declined due to its invasive nature.

Instead, she underwent the EASEE procedure in April.

The device is tailored to each patient and can be adjusted to deliver the right level of stimulation, which means results may take time to appear.

Ms Maylen said: "It’s a bit like a pacemaker, but for my brain.

"I’m happy I’ve had the chance to have it.

"It’s still very early days and I haven’t seen a big difference so far, but it can take up to two years.

"It’s good that I can’t feel anything when it’s working.

"I also have a handheld device I can press to send additional stimulation to my brain if I feel a seizure coming on."

The device not only aims to reduce the frequency of seizures but can also lessen their severity.

In the past, Ms Maylen’s most severe seizures have left her crossing roads without memory or nearly drinking boiling gravy.

She will continue to be monitored by Ms Larkin and consultant neurologist Aidan Neligan, who will adjust the device settings as needed in the coming months.

The EASEE device represents a new option for patients who have exhausted other treatments and could improve quality of life for many living with drug-resistant epilepsy.