How are children’s lives affected now?

Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain and causes repeated seizures. Seizures occur when sudden, temporary bursts of abnormal electrical activity disrupt communication between brain cells – leading to involuntary changes in body movement or function, sensation, behaviour or awareness. 

“Children whose epilepsy cannot be controlled with medications or surgery may experience lifelong uncontrolled seizures, which can be extremely distressing and place them at risk of injury or even death,” says Professor Tisdall. “There is an urgent need for effective new treatment options that can help improve the quality of life for these children and their families.”

One promising treatment for children with focal epilepsy* is DBS, which involves delivering small electrical impulses through fine wires into a part of the brain called the thalamus to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.

“Currently, DBS uses a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, targeting the same part of the thalamus in every individual,” says Professor Tisdall. “But the thalamus contains multiple potential targets, and personalised targeting could lead to even better outcomes.”

*This is a type of epilepsy where seizures start in one specific area of the brain.

How could this research help?

Some children with epilepsy being assessed for surgery undergo an invasive monitoring procedure in which thin electrodes are placed into the brain to record electrical activity and pinpoint exactly where seizures begin.

“We will recruit 14 children with drug-resistant focal epilepsy who have already had this monitoring procedure but are either not suitable for surgery, or continue to have seizures despite it,” explains Professor Tisdall. “Using what we have learned from their brain recordings, we will tailor DBS to target the part of their thalamus most likely to benefit them.”

The researchers will evaluate how personalised DBS affects seizure frequency after six months of treatment, as well as its safety and its impact on children’s development, sleep and quality of life.

“This study could pave the way for wider use of personalised DBS within the NHS and internationally – leading to better outcomes and improving children’s lives,” says Professor Tisdall. 

References

1. Epilespy Action. Epilepsy facts and terminology: https://www.epilepsy.org.uk/press/epilepsy-facts-and-terminology [website accessed 16 February 2026]
2. Office for National Statistics: Estimates of the population for the UK, England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland - Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk) [website accessed 05 February 2026]
3. McTague, A. & Appleton R. Treatment of difficult epilepsy. Archives of Disease in Childhood 2011;96(2):200-4

We do not provide medical advice. If you would like more information about a condition or would like to talk to someone about your health, contact NHS Choices or speak to your GP.