title: Vagal nerve stimulation in epileptic encephalopathies.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study the effect of vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) in children with epileptic encephalopathies.
  
  
  METHODS
  All children receiving VNS during a 2-year period at our center were studied prospectively for changes in seizure frequency, electroencephalogram (EEG), adaptive behavior, quality of life, and where appropriate, verbal/nonverbal performance. Assessments were made before and for at least 1 year after implant.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sixteen children were studied. One device was removed because of infection. Of the remaining 15 children, 4 had a >50% reduction and 2 had a >50% increase in seizure frequency at 1 year after implant. Median reduction in seizure frequency was 17%. There was no trend toward improvement of the EEG or adaptive behavior. Quality of life was unchanged in most areas, except in perceived treatment side effects and general behavior that were improved. In 6 children undergoing further assessment, there was a significant improvement in verbal performance; this did not correlate with reduction in seizure frequency.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  VNS did not significantly improve seizure frequency, severity, adaptive behavior, or the EEG during the first year of treatment for the group as a whole, although 4 children (27%) had a worthwhile reduction in seizure frequency. There were significant improvements in perceived treatment side effects and general behavior.
authors: Newcomen Centre, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
authors: A P
authors: AP
authors: Parker
authors: C E
authors: CE
authors: Polkey
authors: C D
authors: CD
authors: Binnie
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Madigan
authors: C D
authors: CD
authors: Ferrie
authors: R O
authors: RO
authors: Robinson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior; D002663:Child Language; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011788:Quality of Life; D012640:Seizures / Q000517:prevention & control; D014630:Vagus Nerve