Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Drug-resistant Epilepsy: A Single-center Experience
Objective: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been increasingly used in recent years as an alternative treatment method for drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). In this study, we aimed to analyze the data of patients diagnosed with DRE and treated with VNS, who are being followed up at the Muğla Sıtkı Koçm...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Galenos Yayinevi
2025-09-01
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| Series: | Archives of Epilepsy |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://archepilepsy.org/articles/vagus-nerve-stimulation-in-drug-resistant-epilepsy-a-single-center-experience/doi/ArchEpilepsy.2025.25190 |
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| Summary: | Objective: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been increasingly used in recent years as an alternative treatment method for drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). In this study, we aimed to analyze the data of patients diagnosed with DRE and treated with VNS, who are being followed up at the Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, and to review our experience.
Methods: This is a study including patients who were still under follow-up as of October 31, 2024, and had undergone VNS implantation at least one year prior. Demographic characteristics, epilepsy history, and VNS-related data were collected and recorded in the follow-up form. The effectiveness of VNS was evaluated according to the McHugh classification, based on changes in seizure duration, severity, and frequency.
Results: Of the 40 patients, 42.5% (n=17) were female and 57.5% (n=23) were male. The mean age was 37.2±11.2 years. The average duration of epilepsy was 24.7±10.7 years. The median seizure frequency prior to VNS implantation was 20 per month (minimum: 1 to maximum: 600). The median values for VNS output current and VNS magnet current were 1.50 and 1.75 milliamperes, respectively. The median values for VNS duty cycle, VNS OFF time (minutes), and VNS ON time (seconds) were 10, 5, and 30, respectively. According to the McHugh classification, 22.5% (n=9) were classified as class 1A, 30% (n=12) as class 2A, 10% (n=4) as class 2B, 17.5% (n=7) as class 3A, 7.5% (n=3) as class 3B, and 12.5% (n=5) as class 5.
Conclusion: Following VNS implantation, more than 50% reduction in epileptic seizures was observed in 62.5% of patients, while less than 50% reduction was seen in 25% of patients. VNS is an important treatment option for patients with DRE. |
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| ISSN: | 2792-0550 |