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Vagus nerve stimulation for medically refractory absence epilepsy
Ravindra Arya1, Hansel M Greiner, Amanda Lewis
1Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA. ravindra.arya4@gmail.com
Seizure
|February 9, 2013
Summary
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) may offer a therapeutic option for children with medically refractory absence epilepsy. This study found VNS reduced seizure frequency by over 50% in a majority of patients with childhood and juvenile absence epilepsies (CAE, JAE).
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Epileptology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Childhood and juvenile absence epilepsies (CAE, JAE) can be medically refractory.
- There is a need for effective treatment options for these challenging cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the efficacy of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in patients with medically refractory CAE and JAE.
- To address the evidence gap in treating this specific epilepsy population.
Main Methods:
- A chart review identified nine patients (7 CAE, 2 JAE) who received VNS between 2006 and 2011.
- Diagnosis was based on conventional criteria; outcomes included seizure frequency reduction and ILAE classification.
- Data on demography, epilepsy characteristics, and treatment outcomes were extracted.
Main Results:
- Patients had a mean seizure onset age of 5.4 years and a median of 5 failed anti-epileptic drugs.
- After a mean follow-up of 33.9 months, 55.6% were responders (≥50% seizure reduction).
- Mean seizure frequency reduction was 53.5%, with one patient achieving complete seizure freedom.
Conclusions:
- Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) demonstrates potential as a treatment for medically refractory absence epilepsy.
- VNS may be a viable therapeutic option for patients with CAE and JAE who do not respond to conventional treatments.
