Seventeen-year-old Clara Fuller has experienced a life-altering transformation after undergoing a cutting-edge brain implant procedure designed to treat her severe epilepsy. For years, Clara endured nightly seizures, often up to ten, which disrupted her life and affected her ability to enjoy typical teenage activities. The innovative use of the NeuroOne implant technology at the Mayo Clinic has provided hope for those with drug-resistant epilepsy, demonstrating significant improvements in quality of life through advanced medical treatments.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) A life turned upside down |
| 2) A revolutionary solution |
| 3) How NeuroOne’s dual-function system works |
| 4) The results |
| 5) A broader impact on medicine |
A life turned upside down
At just 13 years old, Clara began experiencing uncontrollable seizures that left both her and her doctors bewildered. Initially misdiagnosed with anxiety issues and gallbladder problems, Clara underwent unnecessary surgery before her true condition was discovered: multifocal epilepsy. This rare and severe form of epilepsy proved resistant to all medicinal treatments available, leading to extreme physical and emotional tolls on her life.
“Every night I would have seizures, up to 10, and it was just miserable,” Clara reflected, highlighting the isolation and challenges she faced as a young teenager grappling with such a debilitating condition. Her adolescence was characterized by sleepless nights, diminished social interactions, and an all-consuming battle with her health that overshadowed typical teenage experiences.
Despite numerous treatments and consultations over the years, Clara found herself trapped in a cycle of ineffective therapies. The initial misdiagnoses meant valuable time was lost, and as her seizures persisted, it appeared that traditional medical options were dwindling, leaving her family desperate for a solution.
A revolutionary solution
The breakthrough came during the summer of 2025 when Clara made history as the first pediatric patient to receive the NeuroOne brain implant at the Mayo Clinic. Utilizing the NeuroOne OneRF Ablation System, which recently received FDA clearance, the procedure involved both diagnosing and treating Clara’s epilepsy in one minimally invasive operation.
“It took them maybe 30 minutes, and the longest part was setting up,”
Clara said, expressing her amazement at how swiftly the groundbreaking procedure transformed her life. Dr. Brin Freund, a neurologist involved in her case, elaborated on the necessity of the innovative approach:
“Clara’s history of seizures was uncontrolled with medications. In such cases, surgery may be the only option to reduce and potentially cure the seizure disorder,” Dr. Freund explained. After careful evaluation, the medical team recommended the implementation of engineers for a precise understanding of seizure origins in Clara’s brain, laying the groundwork for effective intervention.
Clara and her family agreed to the plan due to her condition’s severity, which drove them to seek pioneering medical options after conventional methods failed. The NeuroOne electrodes were implanted to monitor seizure activity and assess targeted treatment possibilities.
How NeuroOne’s dual-function system works
The innovative NeuroOne system operates through ultra-thin electrodes designed to accurately identify the origins of seizures within the brain. Once the problem areas are localized, radiofrequency energy is applied to disrupt abnormal electrical patterns without causing permanent damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This integrated approach, combining diagnostics and therapy in a single surgery, sets NeuroOne apart from traditional epilepsy treatments, which typically require separate interventions.
As NeuroOne CEO Dave Rosa noted,
“What separates our technology from others is that our device can be used for both the diagnostic part – finding the area of the brain – and then ablating or destroying that tissue, all in the same hospitalization.”
This dual-function model minimizes patient risk by decreasing the number of required surgical procedures. Dr. Freund highlighted the effectiveness of the stereo EEG electrodes, emphasizing their capability to localize seizure onset with precision while allowing for concurrent treatments.
“We can record seizure data, perform the ablation, and then verify treatment success by monitoring activity,” he stated, underscoring the remarkable potential of this technology in crafting tailored treatments for epilepsy.
The results
The outcome of Clara’s procedure has been nothing short of miraculous. Since receiving the NeuroOne implant and subsequent treatments, she has enjoyed a seizure-free life. This newfound stability has allowed Clara to return to everyday activities, including school and sports, restoring a sense of normality she thought was irretrievably lost during years of suffering.
Dr. Freund confirmed Clara’s progress, stating,
“Regarding the implantation itself, she did very well, and there were no adverse effects. We performed a second ablation a few days later, monitoring the data to prevent ongoing seizures. This was also well tolerated without complications. Since the ablation, Clara has remained seizure-free and has thrived.”
Clara’s journey offers hope to the one-third of the 3 million Americans living with epilepsy, particularly those struggling with drug-resistant forms. As recognized by CEO Rosa, the goal is to expand ablation therapy to these patients to enhance their quality of life.
A broader impact on medicine
The implications of NeuroOne’s technology extend beyond epilepsy treatment. Plans are underway to explore applications in pain management for conditions such as facial and lower back pain, utilizing the same radiofrequency ablation technology. Rosa identified pain management as a significant arena ripe for future advancements.
Dr. Freund echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the development could considerably improve long-term care for pediatric epilepsy patients like Clara. He stated,
“This technology could limit the number of procedures needed to manage drug-resistant focal epilepsy and provide immediate feedback on surgical efficacy.”
He further noted that the ability to access deeper parts of the brain could facilitate safer and more effective surgical options for patients. As expertise with these electrodes increases within medical centers, their use will likely become even more widespread, leading to enhanced surgical outcomes for those affected by neurological disorders.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | Clara Fuller, a 17-year-old, underwent a life-changing brain implant procedure for severe epilepsy. |
| 2 | Before the treatment, Clara suffered up to ten seizures nightly, affecting her quality of life. |
| 3 | The NeuroOne OneRF Ablation System blends diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities in one procedure. |
| 4 | Following the procedure, Clara has been seizure-free and has resumed normal teenage activities. |
| 5 | NeuroOne technology shows promise for broader applications, including pain management and future neurological treatments. |
Summary
The story of Clara Fuller illustrates the significant advancements in neurology made possible through innovative technologies like the NeuroOne brain implant system. By addressing severe, drug-resistant epilepsy with a pioneering treatment approach, Clara has regained control over her life and displays a hopeful future for others facing similar conditions. This evolution in medical technology not only provides immediate benefits for individuals but also sets the groundwork for broader applications in managing neurological disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is multifocal epilepsy?
Multifocal epilepsy is a form of epilepsy characterized by seizures originating from multiple areas of the brain, often resistant to standard treatments.
Question: How does NeuroOne’s implant work?
The NeuroOne implant uses ultra-thin electrodes to locate seizure sources and employs radiofrequency energy to disrupt abnormal brain signals, combining diagnosis and therapy in one procedure.
Question: Can the NeuroOne technology be used for conditions other than epilepsy?
Yes, the NeuroOne technology is being explored for applications in pain management and may be expanded to treat other neurological conditions.
