Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation for the treatment of drug‐resistant epilepsy: a meta‐analysis and systematic review

2020 ◽  
Vol 90 (4) ◽  
pp. 467-471 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaymin Wu ◽  
Zipu Wang ◽  
Yunxiao Zhang ◽  
Jiahui Yao ◽  
Zuyong Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Vagus Nerve ◽  
Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Vagus Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Drug Resistant ◽  
Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Drug Resistant Epilepsy

scholarly journals Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation

2011 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jens Ellrich ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Vagus Nerve ◽  
Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Vagus Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Drug Resistant ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation ◽  
The Common ◽  
Myelinated Fibres ◽  
Drug Resistant Epilepsy ◽  
Intended Use

Invasive vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an approved treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy. Besides its recognised clinical efficacy, there are major drawbacks, such as invasiveness and a great many side effects. Therefore there is a medical demand for transcutaneous VNS (t-VNS®), which combines selective, non-invasive access to vagus nerve afferents with a low risk profile. Both treatments excite thick myelinated fibres of vagus nerve branches that project to the nucleus of the solitary tract in the brainstem. Preclinical data emphasise the equivalent anticonvulsive effects of both methods. Based upon the common mode of action and the first clinical data, the t-VNS device received Conformité Européenne (CE) approval. Besides the approved intended use for drug-resistant epilepsy and depression, a future clinical trial will address the efficacy of t-VNS in chronic pain.

Vagus nerve stimulation for drug-resistant epilepsy

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 189-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Pérez-Carbonell ◽  
Howard Faulkner ◽  
Sean Higgins ◽  
Michalis Koutroumanidis ◽  
Guy Leschziner
Keyword(s):  
Vagus Nerve ◽  
Seizure Frequency ◽  
Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Vagus Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Drug Resistant ◽  
Drug Resistant Epilepsy ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a neuromodulatory therapeutic option for drug-resistant epilepsy. In randomised controlled trials, VNS implantation has resulted in over 50% reduction in seizure frequency in 26%–40% of patients within 1 year. Long-term uncontrolled studies suggest better responses to VNS over time; however, the assessment of other potential predictive factors has led to contradictory results. Although initially designed for managing focal seizures, its use has been extended to other forms of drug-resistant epilepsy. In this review, we discuss the evidence supporting the use of VNS, its impact on seizure frequency and quality of life, and common adverse effects of this therapy. We also include practical guidance for the approach to and the management of patients with VNS in situ.

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