Vagus nerve stimulation for epilepsy and depression

Reassessment: vagus nerve stimulation for epilepsy.

A July 1997 assessment of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Therapeutics and Technology Subcommittee reviewed vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for epilepsy, and concluded that it was promising, but not yet established. Subsequent to that review, a second multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trial has shown safety and efficacy of VNS for treatment of intractable partial seizures. Give...

Vagus nerve stimulation for epilepsy: a review

Vagus nerve stimulation is an empirically based method for treatment of epilepsy by repeated stimulation of the left vagus nerve through implanted electrodes. Despite studies in animals and man, which show changes in brain electrophysiology, metabolism and neurochemistry, the mode of action remains unknown. Clinical testing has presented methodological challenges, as it is difficult to assess u...

Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy for Epilepsy

Assessment of Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Epilepsy

Introduction and methodology. Despite a recent surge in availability of new antiepileptic medications and advances in surgical therapy for epilepsy, intractable epilepsy remains a very significant problem. At least 25 to 50% of patients with epilepsy suffer from breakthrough seizures or debilitating side effects of medications. We need a safe and effective treatment for these people, even if it...

Vagus nerve stimulation for refractory epilepsy

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a neurophysiological treatment for patients with medically or surgically refractory epilepsy. Since the first human implant in 1989, more than 10 000 patients have been treated with VNS. Two randomized controlled studies have shown a statistically significant decrease in seizure frequency during a 12-week treatment period versus a baseline period when 'high stim...