Impact of vagus nerve stimulation on refractory epilepsy with myoclonic atonic seizures: Case series insights.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-2025

Identifier

DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2025.02.014

Abstract

PURPOSE: Epilepsy with myoclonic atonic seizures (EMAtS) is a rare childhood-onset developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, often resistant to pharmacologic treatments and is associated with significant cognitive impairments. Early seizure control is crucial for optimal neurodevelopmental outcomes. This study describes seizure frequency and neurodevelopmental outcome following vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) implantation in children with EMAtS.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of pediatric patients with EMAtS who underwent VNS implantation to treat their refractory seizures from 2011 to May 2024.

RESULTS: Six pediatric patients with EMAtS underwent VNS implantation and were followed for an average of 4.6 years post implantation. Six months post-VNS activation, significant improvement in seizure frequency or intensity was observed in five patients, with four achieving a mean seizure reduction of 76 %. At the last follow-up (mean of 8.1 years), three patients were seizure-free. Positive neuropsychological outcomes were present in four patients.

CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that VNS can be an effective therapeutic option for pediatric patients with refractory EMAtS, leading to improvements in seizure control and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Journal Title

Seizure : the journal of the British Epilepsy Association

Volume

127

First Page

25

Last Page

28

MeSH Keywords

Humans; Vagus Nerve Stimulation; Male; Female; Drug Resistant Epilepsy; Child; Retrospective Studies; Epilepsies, Myoclonic; Child, Preschool; Adolescent; Treatment Outcome; Follow-Up Studies

PubMed ID

40024008

Keywords

Epilepsy with myoclonic atonic seizures; Quality of life; Seizure reduction; Vagus Nerve Stimulator

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