A novel, minimally invasive laser therapy is showing promise for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy caused by periventricular nodular heterotopia (PNVH). Researchers at UTHealth Houston published their findings in the American Neurological Association’s Annals of Neurology, detailing the effectiveness of magnetic resonance-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRgLITT). The study offers hope for patients with PNVH, who often experience hard-to-control seizures.
The research, led by Nitin Tandon, MD, professor in the Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, examined the use of MRgLITT, guided by detailed brain mapping using stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG). The procedure involves using a laser to precisely target and destroy abnormal brain tissues responsible for causing the seizures.
The study reviewed 39 patients with medication-resistant epilepsy linked to PVNH who underwent the SEEG-guided MRgLITT procedure. The treatment demonstrated promising results, with up to 80% of patients with localized abnormal brain tissue achieving seizure freedom.
Precision and Efficacy of MRgLITT
"Our team’s findings suggest that MRgLITT could be a safe, feasible, and highly effective life-changing option for patients whose seizures have been unmanageable with medication," said Tandon. "We found that the procedure is extremely precise and prevents the need for more invasive brain surgeries."
Addressing the Challenges of PNVH
Treating PVNH has been challenging due to the condition's nature, which involves clusters of brain cells that do not migrate to the correct location during prenatal development. According to co-author Samden Lhatoo, MD, professor and executive vice chair in the Department of Neurology at McGovern Medical School, these misplaced cells are located deep in the brain near the ventricles, making them harder to reach and treat with traditional therapies.
"The ability to pinpoint and target the exact regions of the brain responsible for the drug-resistant epilepsy is a potential game-changer," Lhatoo stated. "Our breakthrough study offers a new option for individuals who have long struggled with seizures that impact their daily lives."
