CM-Pf deep brain stimulation in polyneuromodulation for epilepsy

Neuromodulation is a viable option for patients with drug-resistant epilepsies. We reviewed the management of patients with two deep brain neurostimulators. In addition, patients implanted with a device targeting the centromedian-parafascicular (CM-Pf) nuclear complex supplements this report to provide an illustrative case to implantation and programming a patient with three active devices.

A narrative review using PubMed and Embase identified patients with drug-resistant epilepsy implanted with more than one neurostimulator was performed. Combinations of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), deep brain stimulation (DBS), and responsive neurostimulation (RNS) were identified. We provide a background of a newly reported case of an adult with a triple implant eventually responding to CM-Pf DBS as the third implant following suboptimal benefit from VNS and RNS.

In review of the literature, dual-device therapy is increasing in reports of use with combinations of VNS, RNS, and DBS to treat patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. We review dual-device implants with thalamic DBS device combinations, functional neural networks, and programming patients with dual devices. CM-Pf is a new target for DBS and has shown a variable response in focal epilepsy. We report the unique case of 28-year-old male with drug-resistant focal epilepsy who experienced a 75% seizure reduction with CM-Pf DBS as his third device after suboptimal responses to VNS and RNS. After 9 months, he also experienced seizure freedom from recurrent focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures. No medical or surgical complications or safety issues were encountered.

We demonstrate safety and feasibility in an adult combining active VNS, RNS, and CM-Pf DBS. Patients with dual-device therapy who experience a suboptimal response to initial device use at optimized settings should not be considered a neuromodulation "failure." Strategies to combine devices require a working knowledge of brain networks.