Investigating brain stimulation as an alternative to medication in the treatment of epilepsy

by Sanne Resoort, Eindhoven University of Technology

edited by Lisa Lock, reviewed by Andrew Zinin

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Many treatments for drug-resistant epilepsy require surgical procedures that carry risks and do not guarantee success. Therefore, there is a growing need for less burdensome therapies that can be used at home. Steven Beumer explored this challenge as part of his Ph.D. research, which was conducted within the PerStim (Personalized NeuroStimulation) project.

During his research, Beumer worked alongside neurologists at Ghent University Hospital (UZ Gent), a project partner, and observed surgery firsthand. "I especially wanted to experience direct contact with patients. How does epilepsy affect their lives? And how can technological expertise help improve their quality of life?" Beumer explains. His thesis is titled "Understanding the Power of Personalized Transcranial Electric Neurostimulation."

No surgery required

The method Beumer investigated focuses on brain stimulation using electrodes placed on the scalp. These electrodes deliver a weak electrical current to influence brain activity.

Key advantages of this technique are that it does not require surgery and that the stimulation is relatively easy to administer. Although the method has been studied for many years, researchers still do not fully understand how the stimulation process works.

Giving the brain a small nudge

Studies involving healthy volunteers showed that stimulation affects not only the brain directly but also the nerves in the scalp.

"You can think of the stimulation as giving the brain a small nudge. We then measure the effect indirectly through a healthy volunteer's finger. Does the finger move? How strong is the signal reaching the finger? And does that change before and after stimulation?"

One of the study's main conclusions is that the effects of brain stimulation are likely not due solely to electrical current reaching the brain. Stimulation of nerves in the scalp also appears to play an important role.

Although further research is needed before this treatment can be widely applied, the findings provide valuable new insights. According to Beumer, they could ultimately contribute to improved and more personalized treatment options for people whose epilepsy does not respond sufficiently to medication.

Taking the next step

"With this relatively simple method, we have demonstrated what may be possible in the future. We have also gained a better understanding of the mechanisms behind the stimulation. The next step is to develop more sophisticated forms of stimulation," says Beumer.

He hopes his research will help create a greater understanding within the field.

"Another important step for engineers and medical professionals is to better understand each other's language when they work together. This would make it easier to bridge the gap between scientific research and clinical practice."

That interdisciplinary connection was also one of the reasons Beumer selected this Ph.D. project. "I was able to combine my interests in technology and health care while making a meaningful contribution to improving patient care."

More information

Thesis: Understanding the Power of Personalized Transcranial Electric Neurostimulation

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Neurology Provided by Eindhoven University of Technology Who's behind this story?

Lisa Lock

BA art history, MA material culture. Former museum editor, paramedic, and transplant coordinator. Editing for Science X since 2021. Full profile →

Andrew Zinin

Master's in physics with research experience. Long-time science news enthusiast. Plays key role in Science X's editorial success. Full profile →

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