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 Printable version |
Vagus nerve stimulation relevance in refractory epilepsy |
Journal de Pharmacie Clinique. Volume 28, Number 1, 13-20, janvier-février-mars 2009, Article original
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 Résumé
Article gratuit
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Author(s) : L Albertini, A Bonneville, S Georget, M Labrude |
Summary : About 30% of epileptic patients present with refractory epilepsy. In 80% of the case, surgical resection is not indicated. Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) therapy seems to be an alternative for these patients. The generator which delivers electrical impulse was implanted under the skin in the upper chest and was connected with wires which were attached around the left vagus nerve. The objectives of this study were to evaluate VNS therapy efficacy on seizures frequency, intensity and duration and to assess quality-of-life. Our population included 27 patients with VNS therapy that were monitored in the University Hospital of Nancy. We carried out a retrospective study using medical histories and a quality-of-life survey. The population was composed of 21 adults and 6 children. Mean age was 27,5 years [range: 12-52]. Mean age at implantation time was 26 years [range: 10-48]. One year after implantation, the seizure frequency decreased by among 18,5% of the patients. After several years, the efficacy was preserved in 21% and improved in 4% of the patients. The quality-of-life improved in one patient out of two (increase of 3 graduations on a 10 graduations scale) especially regarding their psychological and intellectual reactions. However, 40% of the patients felt more tired. Even though the efficacy of VNS therapy is unpredictable, it seems to be interesting as long as it would improve the quality-of-life, namely psychological. |
Keywords : refractory epilepsy, pharmacoresistance, vagus nerve, stimulation |
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