Vagal nerve stimulation for medically refractory epilepsy in Angelman syndrome: a series of three cases

Childs Nerv Syst. 2018 Mar;34(3):395-400. doi: 10.1007/s00381-018-3723-z. Epub 2018 Jan 19.

Abstract

Background: We describe three children with Angelman syndrome and medically refractory epilepsy.

Methods: Case series of three pediatric patients with Angelman syndrome and medically refractory epilepsy. All three patients failed medical treatment and were recommended for vagal nerve stimulator (VNS) implantation.

Results: Following VNS implantation, all three patients experienced reduction in seizure frequency greater than that afforded by medication alone.

Conclusion: We present vagal nerve stimulator implantation as a viable treatment option for medically refractory epilepsy associated with Angelman syndrome.

Keywords: Angelman syndrome; Medically refractory epilepsy; Vagal nerve stimulation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angelman Syndrome / complications
  • Angelman Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Angelman Syndrome / therapy*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Drug Resistant Epilepsy / complications
  • Drug Resistant Epilepsy / diagnosis*
  • Drug Resistant Epilepsy / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Vagus Nerve Stimulation / methods*
  • Vagus Nerve Stimulation / trends