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VNS in Children
A study published in the November 2001 issue of the Journal of Child Neurology concludes that new data show that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) significantly reduces seizure frequency in children with refractory epilepsy.
"This 6-centre, retrospective study evaluated the effectiveness, tolerability, and safety of vagus nerve stimulation in children. Data were available for 125 patients at baseline, 95 patients at 3 months, 56 patients at 6 months, and 12 patients at 12 months. The typical patient, aged 12 years, had onset of seizures at age 2 years and had tried 9 anticonvulsants before implantation. Collected data included preimplant history, seizures, implant, device settings, quality of life, and adverse events."
"Average seizure reduction was 36.1% at 3 months and 44.7% at 6 months. Common adverse events included voice alteration and coughing during stimulation. Rare adverse events, unique to this age group, included increased drooling and increased hyperactivity. Quality of life improved in alertness, verbal communication, school performance, clustering of seizures, and postictal periods."
"We concluded that vagus nerve stimulation is an effective treatment for medically refractory epilepsy in children."
Source
Journal of Child Neurology. November 2001, Vol 6#11. "Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy in Pediatric Patients With Refractory Epilepsy: Retrospective Study". Helmers, Sandra L; Wheless, James W; Frost, Michael; Gates, John; Levisohn, Paul; Tardo, Carmelo; Conry, Joan A; Yalnizoglu, Dilek; Madsen, Joseph R. pp 843–848.
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