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.
Ebus
S C M
SC
Epilepsy Center Kempenhaeghe, Postbus 61, 5590 AB, Heeze, The Netherlands. scmebus@wishmail.net
Majoie
H J M
HJ
Arends
J B A M
JB
Boon
P J A M
PJ
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*