Can spikes predict seizure frequency? Results of a pilot study in severe childhood epilepsies treated with vagus nerve stimulation.
We evaluated whether spike-rates are useful as an outcome parameter following vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). Spikes/minute and spikebursts/minute were counted in serial electroencephalograms before and after implantation of a vagus nerve stimulator in n = 19 patients with severe childhood epilepsies. In the period of 2 years post VNS, spike-rate and reported seizure frequency were significantly correlated (Spearman's R = 0.61); spikebursts and seizures were correlated with R = 0.74. The response rate, counted after 6 months, was too small to detect differences in responders and non-responders as to spike-reduction. Larger samples and effect sizes are necessary to prove the hypothesis that spike reduction is useful as outcome parameter after VNS or other interventions.
Epilepsy Center Kempenhaeghe, Postbus 61, 5590 AB, Heeze, The Netherlands. scmebus@wishmail.net
S C M
SC
Ebus
H J M
HJ
Majoie
J B A M
JB
Arends
P J A M
PJ
Boon
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000379:methods / Q000528:radiation effects; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014630:Vagus Nerve / Q000528:radiation effects*