[Vagal nerve stimulation for refractory epilepsy in children]

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Vagus Nerve Stimulation As an Adjunctive Neurostimulation Tool in Treatment-resistant Depression
04:29

Vagus Nerve Stimulation As an Adjunctive Neurostimulation Tool in Treatment-resistant Depression

Published on: January 7, 2019

Eli Heyman1, Eli Lahat, Gad Lotan

  • 1Pediatric Neurology Department, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University. eheyman@post.tau.ac.il

Harefuah
|March 25, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Epileptic disease involves recurrent seizures and affects all ages. For medication-resistant cases, options include ketogenic diets, surgery, or vagal nerve stimulation.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Epileptology

Context:

  • Epileptic disease is characterized by recurrent seizures, impacting all age groups.
  • While many cases achieve satisfactory seizure control with medication, a subset exhibits drug resistance.
  • Drug-resistant epilepsy necessitates exploring alternative therapeutic strategies.

Purpose:

  • To outline current and emerging treatment modalities for epilepsy.
  • To highlight interventions for patients with medication-resistant epilepsy.

Summary:

  • Epilepsy is defined by recurrent seizures, excluding those caused by fever or acute brain injury.
  • Standard pharmacological treatments are effective for most individuals.
  • For refractory cases, therapeutic options include ketogenic diets, neurosurgical interventions, and vagal nerve stimulation.

Impact:

  • Provides an overview of epilepsy management strategies.
  • Informs clinicians and patients about advanced treatment options for refractory epilepsy.
  • Highlights vagal nerve stimulation as a viable alternative for non-surgical candidates.

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