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Meneses MS, Rocha SFB, Simão C, Santos HNHLD, Pereira C, Kowacs PA. Vagus nerve stimulation may be a sound therapeutic option in the treatment of refractory epilepsy. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2013; 71:25-30. [DOI: 10.1590/s0004-282x2013000100006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2012] [Accepted: 10/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Refractory epilepsy accounts for 20 to 30% of epilepsy cases and remains a challenge for neurologists. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an option for palliative treatment. OBJECTIVE: It was to study the efficacy and tolerability of VNS in patients implanted with a stimulator at the Curitiba Institute of Neurology (INC). METHODS: A case study of six patients with refractory epilepsy submitted to a VNS procedure at the INC in the last four years was described and discussed. RESULTS: Mean age at time of implantation was 29 years. Mean follow-up was 26.6 months. Seizure frequency decreased in all patients (40-50% (n=2) and >80% (n=4)). Three patients no longer required frequent hospitalizations. Two patients previously restricted to wheelchairs started to walk, probably because of improved mood. CONCLUSION: In this population, VNS proved to be a sound therapeutic option for treating refractory epilepsy.
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