Vagal nerve stimulation in tuberous sclerosis complex patients

Citation
D. Parain et al., Vagal nerve stimulation in tuberous sclerosis complex patients, PED NEUROL, 25(3), 2001, pp. 213-216
Citations number
22
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Article
Categorie Soggetti
Pediatrics,"Medical Research General Topics
Journal title
PEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY
ISSN journal
0887-8994 → ACNP
Volume
25
Issue
3
Year of publication
2001
Pages
213 - 216
Database
ISI
SICI code
0887-8994(200109)25:3<213:VNSITS>2.0.ZU;2-6
Abstract
This is an open-label, retrospective, multicenter study to determine the ou tcome of intermittent stimulation of the left vagal nerve in children with tuberous sclerosis complex and medically refractory epilepsy. The records o f all children treated with vagal nerve stimulation were reviewed in five p ediatric epilepsy centers to locate those with tuberous sclerosis complex w ho had been treated with vagal nerve stimulation for at least 6 months. The se patients were compared with (1) a series of patients obtained from the l iterature, (2) 10 similar control patients with epilepsy obtained from a re gistry of patients receiving vagal nerve stimulation, and (3) four publishe d series of tuberous sclerosis complex patients whose epilepsy was surgical ly managed. Ten tuberous sclerosis complex patients with medically refracto ry epilepsy treated with vagal nerve stimulation were found. Nine experienc ed at least a 50% reduction in seizure frequency, and half had a 90% or gre ater reduction in seizure frequency. No adverse events were encountered. Co mparison with published and registry patients revealed improved seizure con trol in the tuberous sclerosis complex patients. Comparison with the group undergoing seizure surgery demonstrated improved outcomes after surgery. Va gal nerve stimulation appears to be an effective and well-tolerated adjunct ive therapy in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex and seizures refrac tory to medical therapy. Resective surgery has a better prospect for improv ed seizure control. (C) 2001 by Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.