Vagus nerve stimulation for intractable epilepsy in tuberous sclerosis complex.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study described here was to characterize the efficacy and safety of vagus nerve stimulation in a population of patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and intractable epilepsy.


METHODS
This retrospective study comprised 16 patients with TSC who underwent implantation of a vagus nerve stimulator for treatment of intractable epilepsy.


RESULTS
The average age at vagus nerve stimulator implantation was 15 years (range: 2-44, SD: 12.5) and the average duration of follow-up on VNS was 4 years (range: 0.5-8.6, SD: 2.3). Outcome was rated class I (>80% seizure frequency reduction) in 3 (19%), class II (50-79% reduction) in 5 (31%), class III (<50% reduction) in 2 (13%), class IV (magnet benefit only) in 1 (6%), and class V (no improvement) in 5 (31%) patients. Intermittent magnet use was effective in aborting seizures in 8 (50%). Five (31%) patients reported an improved level of functioning.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest that the vagus nerve stimulation can be an effective and safe therapy for patients with TSC with intractable epilepsy.
Major
Philippe
P
Department of Neurology and Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Thiele
Elizabeth A
EA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014402:Tuberous Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D014630:Vagus Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology*