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Vagus nerve stimulation: effectiveness and tolerability in patients with epileptic encephalopathies

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Abstract

Purpose

We discuss the effectiveness, tolerability, and safety of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) as adjunctive therapy in 26 patients with refractory epileptic encephalopathies (EEs).

Material and methods

Twenty-six patients (17 male and 9 female) with electroclinical features compatible with Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS) in 20 patients, Dravet syndrome (DS) in 3 patients, and epilepsy with myoclonic–astatic seizures (EMAS) in 3 patients implanted with the NCP system were analyzed.

Results

In our series of patients with LGS, 17 cases showed a significant improvement in seizure control, with a reduction in seizure frequency of at least 50%. Seven of them previously had epileptic spasms. Three patients with EMAS and two patients with DS showed a significant improvement in seizure control, with a reduction in seizure frequency of at least 50%. A good clinical response was evident early and efficacy progressively improved with the duration of treatment up to 36 months. In patients who had a reduction in seizure frequency of at least 50%, quality of life (QOL) and neuropsychological performance improved. VNS was well-tolerated in all patients.

Conclusion

VNS is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for patients with epileptic encephalopathies EEs, improving QOL and neuropsychological performance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Neurology Department, Hospital de Niños “Prof. Dr. Juan P Garrahan”, Combate de los Pozos 1881, Buenos Aires, CP 1245, Argentina

    Ricardo O. Cersósimo, Cecilia De Los Santos, Irene Bonvehi & Roberto H. Caraballo

  2. Neurosurgery Department, Hospital de Niños “Prof. Dr. Juan P Garrahan”, Combate de los Pozos 1881, Buenos Aires, CP 1245, Argentina

    Marcelo Bartuluchi & Hugo Pomata

Authors
  1. Ricardo O. Cersósimo
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  2. Marcelo Bartuluchi
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  3. Cecilia De Los Santos
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  4. Irene Bonvehi
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  5. Hugo Pomata
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  6. Roberto H. Caraballo
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Roberto H. Caraballo.

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Cersósimo, R.O., Bartuluchi, M., De Los Santos, C. et al. Vagus nerve stimulation: effectiveness and tolerability in patients with epileptic encephalopathies. Childs Nerv Syst 27, 787–792 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-010-1314-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00381-010-1314-8

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