Researchers at UTHealth Houston have published findings on a new minimally invasive laser therapy for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy caused by periventricular nodular heterotopia (PNVH). The study, led by Dr. Nitin Tandon, was featured in the American Neurological Association’s Annals of Neurology. Dr. Tandon is a professor in the Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery at McGovern Medical School and holds several distinguished positions within UTHealth Houston.
The research team examined the effectiveness of magnetic resonance-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRgLITT), which uses detailed brain mapping via stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG) to guide the procedure. This technique targets and destroys abnormal brain tissues responsible for seizures using a laser.
Involving 39 patients with medication-resistant epilepsy linked to PVNH, the study showed promising results. Up to 80% of those with localized abnormal brain tissue became seizure-free after undergoing the SEEG-guided MRgLITT procedure.
“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 Dr. Tandon. He noted that this precise procedure could prevent more invasive brain surgeries.
Dr. Samden Lhatoo, co-author and professor in the Department of Neurology at McGovern Medical School, explained the challenges in treating PVNH due to misplaced neurons near the brain's ventricles. “The ability to pinpoint and target the exact regions of the brain responsible for drug-resistant epilepsy is a potential game-changer," he stated.
Additional UTHealth Houston co-authors include Drs. Ryan McCormack, Arjun S. Chandran, Sandipan Pati, Katherine Harris, Nuria Lacuey Lecumberri, and Stephen Thompson.
