Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS)
Responsive neurostimulation (RNS) is a treatment for focal epilepsy that uses a small implanted device to detect unusual brain activity and deliver stimulation that may help reduce seizures.
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Epilepsy & Seizures Program
We have decades of experience caring for patients with Epilepsy, pioneering minimally invasive treatments and leading research for new treatments to improve patient outcomes.
What Is Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS)?
Responsive neurostimulation (RNS) is a treatment for some patients with focal epilepsy, which means seizures start in one area of the brain. During surgery, a small device is placed in the skull and connected to thin leads positioned in or on the brain. The device monitors brain activity and can send brief electrical pulses when it detects patterns linked to a seizure.
Responsive neurostimulation does not cure epilepsy, but it may help reduce how often seizures happen over time. It is usually considered when seizures continue despite medication and a patient needs another treatment option after a careful epilepsy evaluation.
Why Choose Baptist Health?
Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care offers epilepsy care through a multidisciplinary team that includes epilepsy specialists, neurosurgeons and other experts who work together to plan treatment. Patients also have access to advanced diagnostic tools, including epilepsy monitoring, that can help identify where seizures begin and whether a treatment such as responsive neurostimulation may be appropriate.
Baptist Health also provides care through nationally accredited Level 3 Epilepsy Centers at Baptist Health Kenneth C. Griffin Neuroscience Institute and Marcus Neuroscience Institute, helping connect patients to specialized evaluation and treatment planning.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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No. Responsive neurostimulation is not a cure for epilepsy. It is a treatment that may help reduce seizures for some people with focal epilepsy. Many patients still need anti-seizure medicine and regular follow-up care, even after the device is implanted.
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Responsive neurostimulation may be considered for adults with focal seizures that continue despite medication. Candidacy depends on several factors, including seizure type, where seizures begin, prior treatments and results from a detailed epilepsy evaluation. A physician must decide whether it is an appropriate option.
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Responsive neurostimulation is designed to respond when it detects abnormal brain activity linked to a seizure. Other neuromodulation treatments may deliver stimulation in a different way. Your care team can explain why one device or procedure may fit your condition better than another.
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Possibly. Many people continue taking seizure medicine after responsive neurostimulation implantation. For some patients, medication remains an important part of treatment even if seizure frequency improves. Any change in medication should be guided by your physician.
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Most patients need a detailed epilepsy workup before treatment. This often includes an exam, brain imaging, EEG testing and a review of seizure history and medication response. The goal is to confirm the diagnosis and identify whether responsive neurostimulation is an appropriate option.
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Risks can include infection, bleeding, pain, swelling and device-related problems. Because responsive neurostimulation involves brain surgery, there are also surgical and anesthesia risks that vary by patient. Your physician will explain the risks and how they relate to your overall health and treatment plan.
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Yes. One important part of responsive neurostimulation treatment is follow-up programming. Your physician can review data from the device and make changes over time to better match your seizure pattern and treatment goals.
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Recovery varies from person to person. Some of the early recovery involves healing from surgery, while longer-term follow-up focuses on adjusting the device and monitoring seizure control. Specific activity limits, follow-up timing and recovery milestones should be confirmed with your care team.
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