A kill switch for epilepsy? China cuts seizures by 92.6% in first human chemogenetic trial

AI Summary

A first human chemogenetic trial in China reportedly reduced seizures by 92.6% in people with refractory epilepsy. The experimental approach may offer an alternative for patients who do not respond to medication, though the article description provides limited details about the trial.

For people living with refractory epilepsy, the brain is like a city that can suffer a blackout any time lightning strikes. Without warning, an abnormal neural discharge can sweep through the intracranial circuits, leaving behind convulsions, loss of consciousness and years of lingering panic. Around one-third of epilepsy patients worldwide are completely unresponsive to existing medications, while traditional craniotomy resection surgery often carries the risk of irreversible neurological...