Pediatria pre prax 6/2019
Vagus nerve stimulation in the therapy of epilepsy in children
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is indicated in cases of pharmacoresistant epilepsy with generalized or focal seizures. It represents a palliative therapy, which should be considered when epilepsy surgery is not possible. While in USA VNS is indicated for children older than 4 years, in Europe there are not age limitations. Its effectivity, in terms of ≥ 50 % reduction of seizures, is around 30–60 % depending on the cohort, even in more complicated cases (e.g. Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, etc.) Also is known the positive influence of VNS in the cognition, severity of seizures, postictal state and other factors, which in general improve the quality of life of the patient.
Keywords: pharmacoresistant epilepsy, vagus nerve stimulation, neuromodulation












