Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus as adjunct treatment for refractory epilepsy.
OBJECTIVE
We studied the efficacy and safety of bilateral subthalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) for refractory partial-onset epilepsy in two cases.


METHODS
This was an open treatment pilot study for subjects who had failed numerous medications and had seizure injuries. Seizure counts and adverse events were collected during a 3-4 month baseline, and for 26-32 months after DBS surgery, with AEDs held constant.


RESULTS
Case 1, age 45, with bitemporal seizures, had about half the seizure frequency but still fell with injuries. Case 2, age 46, with left frontal encephalomalacia, had a frequency reduction of about one-third, but a more meaningful reduction of seizure severity and injuries.


CONCLUSIONS
Subthalamic DBS partly reduced partial-onset seizures, but the quality of life was more affected by seizure-related injuries.
Handforth
Adrian
A
Department of Neurology, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA. charles.handforth@med.va.gov
DeSalles
Antonio A F
AA
Krahl
Scott E
SE
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D046690:Deep Brain Stimulation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D004351:Drug Resistance; D004828:Epilepsies, Partial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D020531:Subthalamic Nucleus / Q000502:physiology*
D000927:Anticonvulsants