VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION IN CHILDREN WITH DRAVET SYNDROME
Abstract number :
2.373
Submission category :
Year :
2014
Submission ID :
1868925
Source :
www.aesnet.org
Presentation date :
12/6/2014 12:00:00 AM
Published date :
Dec 4, 2014, 06:00 AM
Authors :
Stephen Fulton, Katherine Van Poppel, Amy McGregor, Basanagoud Mudigoudar and James Wheless
Rationale: Mutations in the SCN1A gene cause a spectrum of epilepsy syndromes. The most severe form, Dravet syndrome, is a catastrophic epilepsy of childhood causing cognitive decline as well as intractable seizures. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a non-pharmacologic treatment for epilepsy. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of patients with deleterious SCN1A mutations who had VNS placement for treatment of their intractable epilepsy. These children had onset of their epilepsy between 3 months and 29 months of age. Seizure control was assessed at 2 months and 6 months after implantation. Results: 9/12 patients reported improvement in seizure control and 4/12 reported improvement in cognitive or speech development. Conclusions: Vagus nerve stimulation appears to impart a benefit to children with Dravet's syndrome.