Safety in epilepsy and seizures: Have you ever bitten your tongue during a seizure? You are not alone. The Protector Against Tongue Injury (PATI) was designed to help avoid this type of injury
Safety in Epilepsy and seizures: The Protector Against Tongue Injury (PATI) is designed to protect people with epilepsy from painful tongue injuries. Read more about PATI and about the person who came up with it below.
PATI, is an FDA approved tool that is a Protector Against Tongue Injury, developed by a patient for a patient. PATI is the first, symptom-management, oral device technology that safely and effectively protects against tongue biting and oral trauma during seizures.
Tell us more about PATI and how it works
PATI's patented, disposable design protects against dislocation or dislodgment during the episode, allows for natural airflow, and allows saliva to naturally drain from the mouth or be suctioned. The PATI comes in a portable, tear away, single-use pouch. It is FDA cleared for use in a non-clinical environment with a prescription from a physician, use in a clinical environment, such as a hospital or during an EEG, and as an emergency medical intervention used by first responders/paramedics.
Who came up with the idea of PATI?
The CEO and founder of PATI is Ashlyn Sanders. In 2014, Ashlyn was diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening neurologic condition called a Chiari Malformation, that led to emergent brain surgery and causes seizures. There is no cure for Chiari Malformations. Ashlyn started the company based on her desire to improve the patient experience for millions of others living with seizures.
Ashlyn is a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill (B.A. Mathematics) and Duke University (M.A. Bioethics and Science Policy). She is also a former 2014 Spring White House Intern during the Obama Administration in The Office of Science and Technology Policy and The Office of Public Engagement. She is passionate about health and health policy and is very active in her community. Ashlyn is currently a 3rd year medical student at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and plans to pursue pediatric neurology.
Is PATI for all ages? Do mouth sizes vary?
PATI is FDA cleared for patients ages 12 and older but can be prescribed for younger patients at the discretion of the prescribing physician. There is only one size.
Do neurologists know about this device, and will they be able to prescribe it easily? Do most pharmacies carry it?
Currently, the product is not being commercialized at scale. There are several key treatment facilities that are using the device for inpatient and outpatient use with patients. If you are interested in receiving devices, please use the contact page here https://neurovicellc.com/?page_id=17 to learn the process of having devices shipped to your physician's clinic or hospital. The company is in the process of being acquired by a medical device or pharmaceutical company that will commercialize the device at scale for worldwide distribution and make it available through a pharmacy. The Epilepsy Foundation is also aware of the device and there are upcoming meetings to discuss advocacy.
Can someone with minimal medical or seizure response training use the PATI? Or is some training required?
PATI is a very simple, intuitive device to use. Visit the website to learn more about the simple design and to watch a video on how to use it. https://neurovicellc.com/?page_id=9
Is there anything else you would like to mention?
PATI device is a first-to-market rescue device and will change the standard of care for seizure safety. It is recommended that patients with refractory seizures and medication-controlled seizures, as well as their caregivers, keep the devices on hand in case of breakthrough episodes. A carton contains 5 pouched devices. The device improves safety and quality of life for patients living with seizures and their caregivers.
Thank you, Ms. Sanders, for taking the time to tell us about PATI and congratulations on your many accomplishments. Wishing you the best in your future endeavors.
