Vagus Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Epilepsy

Neurosurg Clin N Am. 2019 Apr;30(2):219-230. doi: 10.1016/j.nec.2018.12.005.

Abstract

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) was the first neuromodulation device approved for treatment of epilepsy. In more than 20 years of study, VNS has consistently demonstrated efficacy in treating epilepsy. After 2 years, approximately 50% of patients experience at least 50% reduced seizure frequency. Adverse events with VNS treatment are rare and include surgical adverse events (including infection, vocal cord paresis, and so forth) and stimulation side effects (hoarseness, voice change, and cough). Future developments in VNS, including closed-loop and noninvasive stimulation, may reduce side effects or increase efficacy of VNS.

Keywords: Epilepsy; Epilepsy surgery; Neuromodulation; Seizures; Vagus nerve stimulator.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Epilepsy / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Seizures / therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vagus Nerve Stimulation / methods*