Vagus nerve stimulation: where are we?
Now nearly 5 years post-approval, vagus nerve stimulation has emerged as a major non-pharmacological treatment for epilepsy. The place of vagus nerve stimulation among antiepileptic drugs and other surgical therapies is still evolving. This review evaluates the role of vagus nerve stimulation in light of recently published research of its mechanism(s) of action, long-term efficacy, safety and tolerability, and application to other disorders besides epilepsy.
Schachter
Steven C
SC
Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA. sschacht@caregroup.harvard.edu
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D003863:Depression / Q000628:therapy; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014630:Vagus Nerve / Q000502:physiology*