RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Vagus nerve stimulation in medically refractory epilepsy: Adverse effects and clinical correlates
JF Neurosciences Journal
JO Neurosciences (Riyadh)
FD Prince Sultan Military Medical City
SP 10
OP 17
DO 10.17712/nsj.2024.1.20230006
VO 29
IS 1
A1 Khaled A. Alshehri
A1 Shaima H. Abuhulayqah
A1 Mohammed A. Asiry
A1 Suad A. Alyamani
YR 2024
UL http://nsj.org.sa/content/29/1/10.abstract
AB Objectives: To assess the frequency of adverse effects among pediatric and adult patients and the clinical variables associated with a higher probability of developing side effects.Methods: This retrospective study enrolled pediatric and adult patients who underwent Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) implantation at our institution and had documented follow-up during clinic visits for at least 6 months after implantation. Data collected included demographic information, epilepsy diagnosis, and device data.Results: A total of 43 patients with drug-resistant epilepsy who received a VNS device at our institution were enrolled. The median follow-up period was 12 months. Fourteen patients (32.55%) reported no side effects from VNS therapy. Side effects ranged from mild to severe, with significant side effects observed in 8 patients. Data on therapy efficacy were collected, and 10 patients (23.26%) reported no change in seizure frequency following device implantation.Conclusion: This study demonstrates that VNS is an important adjunct treatment option for epilepsy patients. Dysphagia and dyspnea can be significant adverse effects leading to treatment discontinuation, aspiration pneumonia, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and prolonged hospital stay. These effects are more frequent in patients with symptomatic generalized epilepsy, global developmental delay at baseline, previous ICU admissions, abnormal brain magnetic resonance imaging findings, and seizures with multiple semiologies.