Abstracts

RATIONALE:Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has become a widely used mthod to treat refractory epilepsy patients. However, even if the treatment from a medical point of view is satisfactory, the patients might have problems with the VNS. The epilepsy nurse can play an important role in the team and give information to VNS candidates and also advise the patients after implantation with VNS. The present study was addressed to document effects and problems with VNS for patients at our hospital METHODS: All patients with VNS at our hospital (total 18) responded to a questionnaire with both closed and open questions. The group consisted of 14 males and 5 females, 18-70 (average age 41). Avarage length of follow-up was 24 months (2-60). RESULTS: Fourteen of the patients reported positive effects on the seizure situation, even if none was seizure-free and 13 reported that they would like to continue with VNS also when that meant change of battery. The major side effects were horsness and cadio-pulmonary problems during physical exercise. One patient complained of severe sexual disturbance. CONCLUSIONS:The overall impression was that the VNs patients were satisfied with both the information given and the effects of the treatment. The cadrio-pulmonar side effects were troublesome and can limit the patients physical and sexual activities. Clinical follow up at our hospital has indicated that sexual problems might be common after VNS, but this has to studied further.