Vagus nerve stimulation for intractable epilepsy in tuberous sclerosis complex

ObjectivesThe aim of the study described here was to characterize the efficacy and safety of vagus nerve stimulation in a population of patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and intractable epilepsy.MethodsThis retrospective study comprised 16 patients with TSC who underwent implantation of a vagus nerve stimulator for treatment of intractable epilepsy.ResultsThe average age at vagus nerve stimulator implantation was 15 years (range: 2–44, SD: 12.5) and the average duration of follow-up on VNS was 4 years (range: 0.5–8.6, SD: 2.3). Outcome was rated class I (>80% seizure frequency reduction) in 3 (19%), class II (50–79% reduction) in 5 (31%), class III (<50% reduction) in 2 (13%), class IV (magnet benefit only) in 1 (6%), and class V (no improvement) in 5 (31%) patients. Intermittent magnet use was effective in aborting seizures in 8 (50%). Five (31%) patients reported an improved level of functioning.ConclusionThe findings suggest that the vagus nerve stimulation can be an effective and safe therapy for patients with TSC with intractable epilepsy.