Progressive Myoclonus Epilepsy Responded to Vagus Nerve Stimulation

Effects of vagus nerve stimulation on progressive myoclonus epilepsy of Unverricht-Lundborg type.

PURPOSE A 34-year-old woman with progressive myoclonus epilepsy of Unverricht-Lundborg type was considered for vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy. METHODS After demonstration of intractability to multiple antiepileptic regimens and progressive deterioration in cerebellar function, the patient was implanted with a vagus nerve stimulator and followed for 1 year. Neurological status, seizure ...

Clinical utility of vagus nerve stimulation for progressive myoclonic epilepsy

Progressive myoclonic epilepsy (PME) is a group of disorders in which myoclonus is a major component. Patients with PME typically have generalized tonic–clonic or clonic seizures, mental retardation culminating in dementia, and a neurologic syndrome that almost always includes cerebellar dysfunction. It comprises a heterogeneous group of inherited disorders. Conditions inwhich PME is seen inclu...

Reassessment: vagus nerve stimulation for epilepsy.

A July 1997 assessment of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Therapeutics and Technology Subcommittee reviewed vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for epilepsy, and concluded that it was promising, but not yet established. Subsequent to that review, a second multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trial has shown safety and efficacy of VNS for treatment of intractable partial seizures. Give...

Vagus nerve stimulation for epilepsy: a review

Vagus nerve stimulation is an empirically based method for treatment of epilepsy by repeated stimulation of the left vagus nerve through implanted electrodes. Despite studies in animals and man, which show changes in brain electrophysiology, metabolism and neurochemistry, the mode of action remains unknown. Clinical testing has presented methodological challenges, as it is difficult to assess u...

Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy for Epilepsy