The Effectiveness of Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Drug-Resistant Epilepsy Correlates with Vagus Nerve Stimulation-Induced Electroencephalography Desynchronization

[Vagus nerve stimulation in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy].

OBJECTIVE To describe the mechanism and first results of vagus nerve stimulation at the Medisch Spectrum Twenty, the Netherlands, for the treatment of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. DESIGN Descriptive retrospective. METHOD Fifteen patients, 8 male and 7 female, aged 18-45 years with drug-resistant epilepsy, who were not eligible for surgical resection of an epileptic focus, received...

Assessment of Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Epilepsy

Introduction and methodology. Despite a recent surge in availability of new antiepileptic medications and advances in surgical therapy for epilepsy, intractable epilepsy remains a very significant problem. At least 25 to 50% of patients with epilepsy suffer from breakthrough seizures or debilitating side effects of medications. We need a safe and effective treatment for these people, even if it...

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