The problem: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is a form of epilepsy that is resistant to medication and is too spread throughout the brain for surgery. Oran Knowlson was diagnosed with this at three years old and by the age of 12 was having hundreds of seizures a day.
The solution: Researchers developed a brain implant that emits small electrical currents to counteract the abnormal electrical bursts that cause seizures. A similar device exists that is housed in the chest, with wires running underneath the skin to the brain, to make it accessible for replacement every few years. But the new in-brain device can be wirelessly recharged with a special pair of headphones, eliminating the need for extra surgeries.
Yes, but: The device reduces seizures by 80%, a number researchers will try to increase in their clinical trials. But even if seizures aren’t eliminated, Oran’s parents say the reduction has returned his personality and let him pursue activities, including horseback-riding, like other kids his age.