Responsive neurostimulation (RNS) is similar in concept to a pacemaker for the brain. The RNS device and a series of electrodes are implanted onto the surface of, or within the tissue of, your brain where your seizures start. This allows your care team to record your brain activity in real time.

For the first few weeks after implantation, your neurologist will “train” the device to detect your seizures by recognizing the electrical activity in your brain that is associated with your seizures. When this abnormal electrical activity is detected, the device provides a tiny pulse of electricity to help prevent you from experiencing the seizure. While RNS rarely eliminates seizures entirely, it can dramatically reduce their frequency, duration and intensity.