Vagus nerve stimulation for the treatment of bilateral independent temporal lobe epilepsy

Epilepsia. 2001 Jul;42(7):954-6. doi: 10.1046/j.1528-1157.2001.042007954.x.

Abstract

Purpose: We studied the effect of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) on seizure reduction in patients with intractable epilepsy with bilateral independent temporal lobe foci.

Methods: Ten patients who met the criterion of the presence of two distinctive clinical and ictal EEG seizure patterns were identified and followed up for 1 year.

Results: Six patients had >50% reduction in their seizure frequency that persisted up to > or =1 year of follow-up, whereas four patients reported small or no reduction in their partial seizures.

Conclusions: VNS is often effective and well tolerated in this select group of intractable epilepsy patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy / instrumentation
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy / methods*
  • Electrodes, Implanted
  • Electroencephalography / statistics & numerical data
  • Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe / diagnosis
  • Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe / therapy*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Functional Laterality / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vagus Nerve / physiology*