Neuromodulation Therapy with Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Intractable Epilepsy: A 2-Year Efficacy Analysis Study in Patients under 12 Years of Age

Epilepsy Research and Treatment

Jeffrey Schweitzer¹  Jane Hwang¹  Leslie Cahan¹  Meei Lin¹  Suresh Gurbani¹  SooHo Choi¹  Bruce Enos¹  Sirichai Chayasirisobhon² 

[1]Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Southern California Permanente Medical Group, CA, USA

[2]Department of Neurology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Suite No. 208, 3460 E. La Palma Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92806, USA, kaiserpermanente.org

DOI  :  10.1155/2016/9709056

学科分类：过敏症与临床免疫学

来源: Hindawi Publishing Corporation

【 摘 要 】

To study the efficacy of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy as an adjunctive treatment for intractable epilepsy in patients under 12 years of age, we analyzed 2-year postimplant data of 35 consecutive patients. Of the 35 patients, 18 (51.4%) at 6 months, 18 (51.4%) at 12 months, and 21 (60.1%) at 24 months showed ?50% reduction in seizure frequency (responders). Although incremental seizure freedom was noted, no patient remained seizure-free throughout the 3 study periods. Partial response (?50% seizure reduction in 2 or less study periods) was seen in 8 (22.9%) patients. Twelve patients (34.3%) were nonresponders. Out of 29 patients with primary generalized epilepsy, 20 (68.9%) and, out of 6 patients with focal epilepsy, 3 (50%) had ?50% seizure control in at least one study period. No major complications or side effects requiring discontinuation of VNS therapy were encountered. We conclude that (1) patients with intractable primary generalized epilepsy respond better to VNS therapy, (2) cumulative effect of neuromodulation with improving responder rate to seizure freedom with continuation of VNS therapy is noted, and (3) VNS therapy is safe and is well tolerated in children receiving implant under 12 years of age.

【 授权许可】

CC BY