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Updated: May 14, 2025
A Multimodal Imaging- and Stimulation-based Method of Evaluating Connectivity-related Brain Excitability in Patients with Epilepsy
Published on: November 13, 2016
Responsive neurostimulation in Epilepsy: Effects on mood and quality of life
Stephanie Santiago-Mejias1, Melany Land2, Zulfi Haneef2
1Department of Neurology, Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases Department, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, United States.
Objective:
Epilepsy affects over 3.4 million individuals in the U.S. and significantly impacts well- being. For drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), RNS offers a nonpharmacological intervention to reduce seizures. This study examined the impact of RNS on self-reported depressive symptoms and quality of life (QoL) in 33 patients (48.5 % female, mean age = 32.88, SD = 13.86) treated at a Level 4 epilepsy center.
Methods:
Participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-31 (QOLIE-31) after RNS implantation. A subset of participants had available information for pre- and post-RNS assessments. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS software.
Results:
After RNS implantation, most participants reported minimal depressive symptoms (72.4 %) and average or above-average QoL, particularly in emotional well-being. Despite no significant changes in the overall QOLIE-31 scores, a subset of participants with pre- and post- data showed trends toward improved social functioning, energy levels, and medication effects. This group reported perceived improvements in cognitive functioning (M = 63.35, SD = 22.96). Strong positive Pearson correlations were found among QOLIE-31 domain scores, including social functioning, cognitive functioning, energy levels, emotional well-being, and overall QoL. Higher levels of depression correlated with poorer outcomes in QOLIE-31 domains. Time since RNS implantation positively correlated with depressive symptoms. No significant correlation was found between seizure improvement and mood or QoL outcomes.
Conclusions:
Findings highlight the importance of continued mood monitoring and tailored interventions in DRE patients receiving RNS treatment. Further longitudinal and diverse studies are needed to fully understand the long-term psychological impact of RNS.
