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Published on: March 8, 2015
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Pregnancy and deep brain stimulation therapy for epilepsy.
Beáta Bóné1, Norbert Kovács2, István Balás3
1Department of Neurology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
Summary
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy appears safe during pregnancy for women with epilepsy. Two patients with drug-resistant epilepsy gave birth to healthy children while undergoing DBS treatment, with no changes in seizure activity.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Neuromodulation, including vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) and deep brain stimulation (DBS), offers therapeutic options for drug-resistant epilepsy.
- The safety of deep brain stimulation (DBS) during pregnancy is a growing concern due to increasing implantations in women with epilepsy.
Observation:
- This report details two cases of women with epilepsy who underwent deep brain stimulation (DBS) implantation for drug-resistant seizures.
- Both patients experienced significant seizure improvement post-DBS and subsequently gave birth to healthy children while continuing DBS therapy.
- Seizure frequency and severity remained stable throughout pregnancy and postpartum, with uncomplicated pregnancies and deliveries.
Findings:
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS) treatment was associated with successful pregnancies and healthy offspring in two women with epilepsy.
- No adverse effects on fetal development or breastfeeding were observed in these cases.
- Pregnancy and childbirth appear to be safe for epilepsy patients receiving DBS therapy.
Implications:
- These findings suggest that deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a viable and safe neuromodulation option for women with epilepsy who may become pregnant.
- Further research and larger studies are warranted to confirm the long-term safety and efficacy of DBS during pregnancy.
- The results support the continued use of DBS for managing drug-resistant epilepsy in women of childbearing potential.
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