VAGUS NERVE STIMULATOR IMPLANTATION IN BAGHDAD, OUTCOMES OF TWO YEARS FOLLOW UP
Keywords:
Epilepsy, Pharmacoresistant, Vagus nerve stimulation [VN], implantation.Abstract
Background: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS Therapy) works by stimulating the brain with small, regular electrical pulses in an effort to decrease the number and intensity of seizures. These pulses are supplied by a pulse generator.
Aim of study: The current study is a prospective investigation of the efficacy of vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) as a treatment for refractory epilepsy, following the results of patients treated with VNS over a two-year period.
Methods Patients: In this study, we follow 73 patients for 1 year (52 men and 21 women) and 29 patients for 2 years (17 men and 12 women). The patients, aged 2-58 years, had pharmacoresistant epilepsy. The results are 73 patients at 1-year Sixty-six percent of the 73 patients had reduced seizure frequency over the follow-up period. Of these 25 patients (34%), 23 patients (32%) had responses ranging from poor to medium, with a response rate of more than 50%. In 24 patients (33%), the seizure frequency did not change, while in 1 patient (1%), it increased. After two years, of the 29 patients, 29 (or 69% of the total) had fewer seizures at the time of follow-up. Also in 11 patients (38%) of the total, the reductions were <50% in the seizure frequency. In 9 patients (31%) of the total, the response was of poor to medium quality (>50%). In 9 patients (31%) of the total, no change in seizure frequency was recorded. No changes in seizure types were recorded.
Conclusion: The results of this prospective study demonstrated that the effectiveness of VNS treatment increased over time. It is important for physicians to be aware that some patients may require more time to respond favorably to VNS therapy.
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