Around five million people worldwide are diagnosed with epilepsy each year. For approximately one-third of patients, medication does not adequately control seizures. Additional treatment options are urgently needed for this group. Steven Beumer investigated a new form of stimulation to influence brain activity during his PhD research for the Department of Electrical Engineering.
Many treatments for drug-resistant epilepsy require surgical procedures that carry risks and do not guarantee success. Therefore, there is a growing need for less burdensome therapies that be used at home. Beumer explored this challenge as part of his PhD research, which was conducted within the PerStim (Personalized NeuroStimulation) project.
During his research, Beumer worked alongside neurologists at Ghent University Hospital (UZ Gent), a project partner, and observed surgery firsthand. “I especially wanted to experience direct contact with patients. How does epilepsy affect their lives? And how can technological expertise help improve their quality of life?” Beumer explains.
Example of a personalized model for tDCS (transcranial direct current stimulation). This model of the head illustrates how electrical stimulation spreads through the brain. Image: Steven Beumer
No surgery required
The method Beumer investigated focuses on brain stimulation using electrodes placed on the scalp. These electrodes deliver a weak electrical current to influence brain activity.
Key advantages of this technique are that it does not require surgery and that the stimulation is relatively easy to administer. Although the method has been studied for many years, researchers still do not fully understand how the stimulation process works.
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