Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 1, 2026
08:23
A Multimodal Imaging- and Stimulation-based Method of Evaluating Connectivity-related Brain Excitability in Patients with Epilepsy
Published on: November 13, 2016
Diffusion-weighted imaging and status epilepticus during vagus nerve stimulation
1Department of Neurology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA. wotiv@aol.com
Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|May 18, 2004
Summary
Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) revealed transient abnormalities in the thalamus and midbrain during status epilepticus in an epilepsy patient with a vagus nerve stimulator (VNS). These reversible findings suggest VNS may influence brain regions affected by seizures.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Epilepsy research
- Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI)
Background:
- Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an established epilepsy therapy.
- VNS has been shown to alter regional cerebral blood flow.
- Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) can detect transient abnormalities during status epilepticus.
Observation:
- A patient with pharmacoresistant epilepsy and a VNS implant experienced status epilepticus.
- Brain MRI with DWI was performed during the peri-ictal period.
- Transient, reversible hyperintense signal abnormalities were observed on DWI.
Findings:
- Abnormalities were noted at the seizure onset site, thalamus, and bilateral midbrain.
- Decreased apparent diffusion coefficient mimicked ischemia.
- Complete resolution occurred after seizure termination.
Implications:
- DWI can be safely performed in epilepsy patients with VNS implants.
- Status epilepticus involves bilateral subcortical structures.
- Observed abnormalities may reflect seizure effects, VNS influence, or both.
