Vagus nerve stimulation for drug-resistant epilepsy induced by tuberous sclerosis complex
Tong X, Wang X, Qin L, Zhou J, Guan Y, Teng P, Wang J, Yang Y, Li T, Luan G.
Epilepsy Behav. 2022 Jan;126:108431.
doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108431.
This recent publication by Tong et al., 2021, examined the long-term effects of vagus nerve stimulation (#VNS) in 17 patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (#TSC).
Highlights
• VNS significantly reduced seizure frequency in patients with TSC.
• 18% became seizure free following VNS implantation.
• VNS significantly improved depressive #mood in patients with TSC.
Outcome measurements were responder rate (≥ 50% reduction in seizure frequency), as well as cognitive and emotional alterations. Alterations in #cognition and emotional state was measured using the Wechsler intelligence scale (n=6), the Self-rating Depression Scale (n=9) and the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (n=9).
After a mean follow-up of 4.1 ± 3.2 years, 70.6% of the patients experienced a ≥ 50% reduction in seizure frequency compared to baseline, and the seizure freedom rate was 18%. Interestingly, significant improvements in depressive mood was observed at the one-year follow-up. However, no significant alterations in cognition were detected at this time point.
The results from the current study suggest VNS to exert beneficial effects on both seizure burden and depressive episodes in patients with TSC.