Epilepsy vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)
Written and reviewed by Dr Ibrahim Imam, Consultant Neurologist. Last reviewed .
Epilepsy vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). Partial or generalised seizures in children, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). Fully referenced neurology checklist.
Indications
- Refractory partial onset seizures in adults >12 years who are not suitable for surgery
- Partial or generalised seizures in children
- Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS)
- Mood improvement in adult epilepsy
- It is reportedly effective for primary generalised epilepsy
Outcome
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Predictors of poor response
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Side effects
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References
- Fisher RS, Handforth A. Reassessment: vagus nerve stimulation for epilepsy: a report of the Therapeutics and Technology Assessment Subcomittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology 1999; 53:666-669.
- Morris GL 3rd, Gloss D, Buchhalter J, Mack KJ, Nickels K, Harden C. Evidence-based guideline update: vagus nerve stimulation for the treatment of epilepsy: report of the Guideline Development Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology 2013; 81:1453-1459.
- Moshref R, Burneo JG, Steven DA, et al. Vagus nerve stimulation in lesional and Non-Lesional Drug-Resistant focal onset epilepsies. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 159:109948.
- Eggleston K, Curley J, Verner R, et al. Effectiveness and safety of implantable vagus nerve stimulation in people with primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Epilepsia Open 2026; 11:1214-1226.
- Brodtkorb E, Samsonsen C, Jørgensen JV, Helde G. Epilepsy patients with and without perceived benefit from vagus nerve stimulation: a long-term observational single center study. Seizure 2019; 72:28-32.
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