Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation: A Potential Risk for Genetic Generalized Epilepsy Patients (Study Case)

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neuroscience
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) is a significant challenge, often requiring multiple antiepileptic drugs.
• Pharmaco-resistant epilepsy necessitates exploring novel therapeutic approaches.
• Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) is an emerging neuromodulation technique.

Observation:

• A 16-year-old female with drug-resistant JME received tACS.
• The patient experienced an initial increase in seizure frequency and a myoclonic status epilepticus.
• tACS was delivered at 1 mA and 3 Hz over Fp1-Fp2 for 60 minutes daily over 4 days.

Findings:

• Seizure frequency increased by 75% at 1-month follow-up, with myoclonic and tonic-clonic seizures.
• A 24-hour myoclonic status epilepticus occurred, requiring intervention with clonazepam and valproate.
• A 15-day seizure-free period was reported at the 2-month follow-up.

Implications:

• The case highlights the complex and potentially paradoxical effects of tACS in epilepsy.
• Further research is needed to optimize tACS parameters for epilepsy treatment.
• This case contributes to understanding neuromodulation's role in managing refractory epilepsy.