Vagus nerve stimulation for partial seizures

Privitera MD, Welty TT E, Ficker DD M, Welge J

Published Online:

July 7, 2010

Vagus nerve stimulator is a device that is effective as add-on treatment for drug-resistant partial epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a disorder where recurrent seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges from the brain. Most seizures can be controlled by a single antiepileptic drug but sometimes seizures are drug-resistant. The review of trials found that vagus nerve stimulation is effective when used with one or more antiepileptic drugs to reduce the number of seizures for people with drug-resistant partial epilepsy. Adverse effects were hoarseness, cough, and neck pain. More research is needed to compare this treatment to antiepileptic drugs currently available.

Abstract (click to read)

Background:

This is an updated version of the original Cochrane review published in Issue 1, 2002.

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been introduced as an adjunct for treating people with seizures. The aim of this systematic review was to overview the current evidence for the effects of vagus nerve stimulation when used as an adjunctive treatment for people with drug-resistant partial epilepsy.

Objectives:

To determine the effects of VNS high-level stimulation compared to low-level (presumed subtherapeutic dose) stimulation.

Search strategy:

We searched the Cochrane Epilepsy Group's Specialized Register (January 2010), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library Issue 1, 2010), and MEDLINE (1950 to January 2010). No language restrictions were imposed.

Selection criteria:

Randomized, double-blind controlled trials of VNS comparing high and low stimulation paradigms. Studies in adults or children with drug-resistant partial seizures.

Data collection and analysis:

Two review authors independently selected trials for inclusion and extracted data. The following outcomes were assessed: (a) 50% or greater reduction in total seizure frequency; (b) treatment withdrawal (any reason); (c) adverse effects. Primary analyses were intention-to-treat. Sensitivity best and worst case analyses were also undertaken. Summary odds ratios (ORs) were estimated for each outcome.

Main results:

Results of the overall efficacy analysis show that VNS stimulation using the high stimulation paradigm was significantly better than low stimulation. The overall OR (95% confidence interval (CI)) for 50% responders across all studies is 1.93 (95% CI 1.1 to 3.4). This effect did not vary substantially and remained statistically significant for both the best and worst case scenarios. Results for the outcome "withdrawal of allocated treatment" suggest that VNS is well tolerated as no significant difference was found between the high and low stimulation groups, and withdrawals were rare. Statistically significant adverse effects associated with implantation (low versus baseline) were hoarseness, cough, pain, and paresthesia. Statistically significant adverse effects associated with stimulation (high versus low) were hoarseness and dyspnea, suggesting the implantation is associated with hoarseness, but the stimulation produces additional hoarseness.

Authors' conclusions:

VNS for partial seizures appears to be an effective and well tolerated treatment. Adverse effects of hoarseness, cough, pain, paresthesias, and dyspnea are associated with the treatment but appear to be reasonably well tolerated as dropouts were rare. Typical central nervous system adverse effects of antiepileptic drugs such as ataxia, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and somnolence were not statistically significantly associated with VNS treatment.

This record should be cited as:

Privitera MD, Welty TT E, Ficker DD M, Welge J. Vagus nerve stimulation for partial seizures. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2002, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD002896. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002896

Assessed as up to date:

June 16, 2010

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Primary Review Group:

Epilepsy Group

Health topics:

Neurology > Epilepsy > Surgery

Cochrane Summaries^beta

Independent high-quality evidence for health care decision making

Vagus nerve stimulation for partial seizures

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