Long-Term Seizure Outcome With or Without Vagal Nerve Stimulation Therapy.

Publication/Presentation Date

12-1-2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To compare long-term seizure control in patients with long-term VNS (vagal nerve stimulator) stimulation (VNS-on) with those who discontinued VNS after >3 years (VNS-off).

METHODS: Patients with refractory epilepsy with VNS therapy for >3 years (and follow-up for >2 years after VNS discontinuation for VNS-off patients) were included. Patients with brain surgery≥50% seizure reduction (50% responder rate) and change in seizure frequency within and between groups in follow-up.

RESULTS: Thirty-three VNS-on and 16 VNS-off patients were evaluated. VNS-on patients underwent stimulation for 9.7 years (mean). VNS-off patients had VNS treatment for 6.5 years (mean), discontinued treatment, then had additional 8.0 years (mean) follow-up. 50% responder rates were similar between groups (VNS-on: 54.5% vs VNS-off at last-on: 37.5%,

DISCUSSION: Patients who discontinued VNS therapy and those who continued therapy had similar response during active treatment and similar long-term outcomes, suggesting that factors such as the natural disease course and/or medication treatment strongly affect long-term outcomes.

Volume

14

Issue

6

First Page

200358

Last Page

200358

ISSN

2163-0402

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

39185099

Department(s)

Department of Surgery

Document Type

Article

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