Inside Pediatrics Fall/Winter 2024

Curtis Rozzelle, M.D., performing Children’s of Alabama’s first DBS procedure for epilepsy.

Neurostimulators have long been used to treat various neurological disorders when traditional treatment options fail. DBS was originally developed in 1997 to treat Parkinson’s disease and has since expanded as a treatment option for epilepsy, dystonia and more. RNS gained initial FDA approval in 2013 and has proved to be effective in many patients. Presently, RNS is FDA-approved only for adults but is successfully being used off-label in the pediatric population.

Though DBS and RNS are not viable options for all patients, they show tremendous potential in treating children with epilepsy who need more innovative treatment options.

“With this first RNS implantation [at Children’s of Alabama], we have expanded the armamentarium of therapies available to individuals with poorly controlled epilepsy,” Goyal said. “Unfortunately, neuromodulation with RNS is only [FDA-approved] for individuals who are at least 18 years old. The pediatric epilepsy team at Children’s of Alabama hopes that this therapy will be available to more children of Alabama soon.” ●

Another First for Rozzelle Less than a year before Rozzelle performed

cases stems from the specific needs of young patients and advancements in the field. “Until Dr. Gantz arrived at UAB, we didn’t have a movement disorder neurologist here who

Children’s first DBS procedure for epilepsy, he also achieved another milestone for the hospital. In 2023, working alongside neurologist Emily Gantz, M.D., he performed Children’s first DBS procedures for patients with progressive dystonia. “We’re excited that this innovative procedure is now transferring over to our pediatric patients,” Rozzelle said. Studies suggest that pediatric patients with progressive dystonia respond well to deep brain stimulation, especially after failing conventional medications. The decision to apply DBS in pediatric

Curtis Rozzelle, M.D.

also had training and experience with deep brain stimulation,” Rozzelle said. “When she arrived, Dr. Gantz opened the door for us to be able to perform the technical aspects of the surgical procedure.” The procedure was featured in the Spring/Summer 2024 issue of Inside Pediatrics. You can also learn more about it at InsidePeds.org.

6