Vagus nerve stimulation has a positive effect on mood in patients with refractory epilepsy

Adult
Written By Rodrigo Silva

Klinkenberg S, Majoie HJ, van der Heijden MM, Rijkers K, Leenen L, Aldenkamp AP.
Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery 114 (2012) 336–340
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clineuro.2011.11.016

Continuing the theme of vagus nerve stimulation (#VNS) and quality of life (#QoL), this #prospective study by Klinkenberg et al. 2012 evaluates the potential effects of VNS Therapy on #cognition, depressive #mood and QoL in a cohort of adult patients with drug resistant epilepsy (#DRE). Furthermore, the study aimed to clarify whether these effects correlate with #seizure outcomes.

The study found that 20% of the patients achieved a ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency post VNS implantation (N:41; mean age: 38.1 ± 11.5 years; follow-up duration: 6 months). Furthermore, VNS Therapy significantly improved mood and QoL according to two different questionnaires (Profile of Mood States, #POMS, and Quality of Life in Epilepsy 89, #QOLIE-89). However, no significant alterations in cognition could be observed.

Noteworthy, the effects of VNS Therapy on QoL characteristics and mood, were not significantly correlated with improved seizure outcomes, suggesting the observed effects to be unrelated to seizure control.

 
 
Rodrigo Silva
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