Changes in sleep patterns after vagus nerve stimulation, deep brain stimulation or epilepsy surgery: Systematic review of the literature

Seizure. 2018 Mar:56:4-8. doi: 10.1016/j.seizure.2018.01.022. Epub 2018 Jan 31.

Abstract

Purpose: Perform a systematic review of the literature on the effects of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), deep brain stimulation (DBS) and epilepsy surgery in subjective and objective sleep parameters.

Methods: We performed a literature search in the main medical databases: Medline, Embase, Cochrane, DARE and LILACS, looking for studies that evaluated the effects of VNS, DBS or epilepsy surgery on sleep parameters. In all, 36 studies, coming from 11 countries, including reviews, cohort studies, case series and case reports were included.

Results: VNS induces sleep apnoea dependent of the stimulation variables. This condition can be reverted modifying these settings. Surgical procedures for epilepsy cause an improvement in objective and subjective sleep parameters that depend on the success of the procedure evaluated through ictal frequency control. There is evidence that non-pharmacologic treatment of epilepsy has different effects on sleep patterns.

Conclusion: It is advisable to include objective and subjective sleep parameters in the initial evaluation and follow-up of patients considered for invasive procedures for epilepsy control, especially with VNS due to the risk of sleep apnoea. More high quality studies are needed.

Keywords: Anterior temporal lobectomy; Deep brain stimulation; Epilepsy; Sleep; Sleep apnoea syndromes; Vagus nerve stimulation.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Databases, Bibliographic
  • Deep Brain Stimulation / methods*
  • Epilepsy / physiopathology*
  • Epilepsy / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Neurosurgery / methods*
  • Sleep / physiology*
  • Vagus Nerve Stimulation / methods*