Short-Term Results of Vagal Nerve Stimulation in Resistant Epilepsy Patients

Objectives: Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) is an appropriate treatment option for refractory patients who are not eligible for resective epilepsy surgery. In this study, the clinical and demographic characteristics of VNS patients were documented and it was aimed to determine the effect of VNS on seizure control. Methods: A retrospective survey was performed for patients who were diagnosed as drug resistant epilepsy and underwent VNS implantation, with at least 1 year of follow-up. Nine patients (eight males and one female) with an average age of 30.11 (18-42), were included. Reduction in seizure frequency prior and in the 3rd, 6th, and 12th months after VNS implantation was compared. Patients were considered responders when a reduction of seizures of more than 50% was reported. Results: The mean time from the onset of the disease to VNS implantation was 17.33 +/- 9.75 years and the mean age when VNS was implanted was 24.53 (9-39). Decrease in frequency of seizures from VNS implantation to 3 months and 6 months was statistically significant (p=0.003 and p=0.012, respectively). No statistical significance was found between the frequency of seizures before treatment and at the 12th month (p=0.153). Conclusion: In our study, we observed a decrease in seizure frequency in patients with drug resistant epilepsy with a variety of etiologies, which was similar with the literature data. Although a cumulative effect was reported, we have observed a minimal decrease in frequency after the 3rd month.