Pilot study of trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) for epilepsy: a proof-of-concept trial

Epilepsia. 2006 Jul;47(7):1213-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2006.00594.x.

Abstract

The safety and preliminary efficacy of trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) for epilepsy was evaluated in a pilot feasibility study of transcutaneous stimulation of the infraorbital and supraorbital branches of the trigeminal nerve. TNS was well tolerated. Four (57%) of seven subjects who completed >or=3 months experienced a >or=50% reduction in seizure frequency. The results of this pilot study support further investigation into the safety and efficacy of TNS for epilepsy.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy / adverse effects
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy / methods*
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy
  • Epilepsy / prevention & control
  • Epilepsy / therapy*
  • Face / innervation
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Functional Laterality / physiology
  • Humans
  • Medical Records / statistics & numerical data
  • Middle Aged
  • Monitoring, Ambulatory
  • Pilot Projects
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Trigeminal Nerve / physiology*

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants