Vagus nerve stimulation for intractable epilepsy in tuberous sclerosis complex

Major P, Thiele EA.
Epilepsy Behav. 2008 Aug;13(2):357-60.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2008.04.001.

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Continuing on the theme of vagus nerve stimulation (#VNS) in tuberous sclerosis complex (#TSC). This study by Major et al. reported the outcome of VNS treatment in 16 drug-resistant epilepsy (#DRE) patients diagnosed with TSC. 12 of these patients were under 18 years old at VNS implantation.

The average ages at #seizure onset and VNS implantation were 1 year (range: 0-7) and 15 years (range: 2-44), respectively. The average follow-up time was 4 years (range: 0.5 -8.6).

At the last follow-up, 8 patients (50%) achieved more than 50% seizure frequency reduction. Half the group reported that the magnet was effective for seizure control. Furthermore, improved #cognition and behaviour was reported by 5 patients.

The current findings support that VNS can be an effective and reliable treatment option for DRE patients with TSC.

Link to the article:
https://www.epilepsybehavior.com/article/S1525-5050(08)00080-2/fulltext