Vagus nerve stimulation and drug reduction.
The authors prospectively assessed drug reduction and patient satisfaction in 21 patients using vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for refractory epilepsy and compared results to a case-matched control group with a mean follow-up of 13.2 months. Significant antiepileptic drug (AED) reduction occurred in 9/21 (42.9%) of VNS patients averaging 0.43 AED/patient, with dose reduction in four patients (19.0%). For 12/21 (57.1%) patients not reducing AED, dose reduction occurred in 6/21 (28.6%). Drug and dose reduction of AED is possible in patients using VNS for refractory epilepsy without loss of seizure control and with improved patient satisfaction.
Tatum
W O
WO
Tampa General Hospital Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, FL, USA. WOTIV@aol.com
Johnson
K D
KD
Goff
S
S
Ferreira
J A
JA
Vale
F L
FL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014630:Vagus Nerve / Q000502:physiology*
D000927:Anticonvulsants