Refractory status epilepticus treated with trigeminal nerve stimulation

Refractory status epilepticus (RSE) is a neurologic emergency associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Alternative therapies are needed for patients who do not respond to more traditional therapies for RSE. We report on a patient with RSE treated with external trigeminal nerve stimulation (eTNS). On admission, the patient was experiencing consecutive focal dyscognitive seizures with secondary generalization without recovery in between. His seizures remained refractory to multiple therapies, including IV lorazepam, valproic acid, levetiracetam, phenobarbital, and midazolam. Although a burst suppression pattern was achieved with a continuous pentobarbital infusion, seizures returned following attempts to taper it. Given his beneficial response to eTNS during a previous clinical trial, eTNS was initiated. Four days after starting eTNS, the pentobarbital infusion was finally weaned, and his EEG revealed no further seizures. The patient's mental status improved and he was ultimately discharged with only moderately severe disability. Our case demonstrates that eTNS may have antiseizure effects in RSE. Given our patient's quick response, such benefit may have arisen from EEG-desynchronization. If confirmed in larger studies, eTNS could one day be considered along with other adjuvant treatments for RSE.