MEDICATION TRIALS PRIOR TO VNS IMPLANTATION: NO INFLUENCE ON VNS SEIZURE REDUCTION
Abstract number :
2.410
Submission category :
Year :
2004
Submission ID :
4859
Source :
www.aesnet.org
Presentation date :
12/2/2004 12:00:00 AM
Published date :
Dec 1, 2004, 06:00 AM
Authors :
Susan K. Loveless, George L. Morris, Christopher M. Inglese, Pamela Smith, and Jennifer Burgos
To determine the success of VNS seizure reduction dependant on prior medication trials. We reviewed clinic records of all VNS implantations for 2001-2004. Their demographic information included age, gender, type of seizures, number of AEDS, frequency of seizures at time of implant and reduction of seizures after implant. The results were recorded. We evaluated the number of medication trials and the subsequent effectiveness of the VNS therapy for 4 groups: 1-3 AEDS trialed, 4-6 AEDS trialed, 7-9 AEDS trialed and [gt] 10 AEDS trialed. 88 patients charts were reviewed. From those charts, we excluded the following patients: 1 explanted VNS, 2 VNS[apos]s turned off, 8 charts with incomplete data, and 5 research patients. Ages ranged from 8-82 years and there were 40 males and 44 females. Please see Table for results from VNS dependant on prior medication trials.[table1] We conclude that there is not a significant decrease or change in the outcome of success using the VNS for refractory seizures regardless of the number of failed trial AEDs the patient has been on. VNS should continue to be a viable treatment option for all epilepsy patients. (Supported by Aurora Health Care)