From the Research
The Monarch eTNS system is a promising treatment option for epilepsy, with studies showing it can reduce seizure frequency by up to 64% and improve quality of life scores in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. The system works by delivering mild electrical stimulation to the trigeminal nerve, which is thought to modulate brain activity in regions involved in seizure regulation.
Key Benefits
- Reduces seizure frequency by up to 64% in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy 1
- Improves quality of life scores in patients with epilepsy 1, 2
- Can reduce seizure severity scores and improve responder rates (seizure reduction ≥50%) 1, 2
- Mild side effects, including headache, ear pain, and skin irritation at the application site 1, 2, 3
Important Considerations
- The Monarch eTNS system is a non-invasive treatment option, which is particularly interesting because it does not require surgery and is instantaneously removable 1
- Treatment protocols may vary, and stimulation parameters, such as frequency and intensity, may need to be adjusted according to patient preferences and tolerance 1, 2, 3
- Multicenter randomized double-blind clinical trials with standardized stimulation protocols and long-term follow-up studies are necessary to finally assess the treatment outcome of the Monarch eTNS system in drug-resistant epilepsies 1
Clinical Use
- The Monarch eTNS system may be particularly useful for patients with epilepsy who have not responded to traditional treatments or who are seeking non-medication alternatives 4
- A prescription from a healthcare provider is required, and insurance coverage may vary 4
- Patients with implanted medical devices or certain neurological conditions may not be suitable for the Monarch eTNS system 4