When it comes to finding out how best to treat epileptic patients, new research is showing that brain-computer interfaces are all the rage in terms of treating various neurological conditions.

The newest method for treating epilepsy is called deep brain stimulation (DBS), which is when a silicon chip is implanted just under the skin and emits a high frequency current that is moved to the brain by electrodes that send and receive the signals. This may sound amazing; however, there is a drawback to this procedure. For example, when the immune system catches on to these signals, it thinks that the signals are foreign bodies in the body and starts to attack the electrodes and creates a wall that helps protect the brain. This act of the immune system makes it nearly impossible for the electrodes to properly communicate with the brain activity that causes the seizures. What this means is that the procedure only helps for a short time before the immune system prevents it from working.

A research team has come up with a new bioactive coating that hides the electrodes from the immune system while still suppressing the brain’s immune response. The team can do this by utilizing a protein called an “interleukin (IL)-1 receptor antagonist” which is used to coat the electrodes. With this protein, they have been able to find a long-term solution to the immune system complication. The results of this research can be found in theJournal of Biomedical Materials Research.

If this treatment proves to be safe and effective, it could easily outdo the current medications that are being used to treat epilepsy. One of those treatments is Topamax, which is an anti-seizure medication. Topamax has been linked to birth defects in babies born to mothers that use the drug while pregnant. Some of those birth defects include PPHN, oral clefts, neural tube defects and spina bifida.

If your baby was born with birth defects after in-utero exposure to Topamax, contact attorney Greg Jones today for a free consultation. I am experienced at fighting Topamax lawsuits and may be able to help you recover money for your child’s injuries.