Vagal nerve stimulation for refractory epilepsy: a brief review

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an effective adjunctive treatment for patients with drugresistance epilepsy. Short and long-term VNS studies demonstrate a seizure-suppressing effect, with a more efficacy in long-term treatment. Precise mechanisms of VNS in attenuating seizure are not fully understood. Clarification of VNS mechanisms of action may improve its clinical efficacy, as it may provide strategies for the development of new therapeutic candidates for patients with refractory epilepsy. It also might be beneficial for identification of optimal stimulation parameters. In this review article, we present some possible mechanisms involved in anti-epileptic effects of VNS.