Vagus nerve stimulation for refractory status epilepticus

Eur J Paediatr Neurol. 2009 May;13(3):286-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2008.05.004. Epub 2008 Jun 27.

Abstract

We report on the long-term follow-up of a patient with refractory non-convulsive SE who was successfully treated with VNS. A 7-year old girl with a medical history of thrombosis in the right internal cerebral vein and right thalamic bleeding 8 days after birth, developed epilepsy at the age of 13 months. At the age of 6 she presented with a refractory non-convulsive SE. A vagus nerve stimulator was placed after 11 days of thiopental-induced coma. Three days after VNS implantation, the thiopental-induced coma was successfully withdrawn and electroencephalography showed normalization one week after start of VNS. After a follow-up of 13 months she remains seizure-free and AEDs have been partially tapered. This case illustrates a potential acute abortive effect with sustained long-term seizure reduction of VNS in a 7-year old girl who presented with refractory non-convulsive SE.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Coma / chemically induced
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy* / methods
  • Electroencephalography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Status Epilepticus / physiopathology*
  • Status Epilepticus / therapy*
  • Thiopental / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vagus Nerve Stimulation* / methods

Substances

  • Thiopental