The dual effect of vagus nerve stimulation in pediatric patients with drug-resistant epilepsy: Is there more than seizure control?

Abstract

This is a retrospective-comparative-pilot study to investigate the role of vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) in improving cognitive functions in the pediatric age group with Drug resistant epilepsy (DRE). It was conducted from January 2018 to February 2023. Children between the age of 4-18 years were divided into two groups, the “VNS group” and the “best medical treatment (BMT) group”. Follow up period was 12 months. Demographic, clinical, etiological and investigational data were noted. Cognitive assessment using the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination for children (MMSE) was recorded at baseline and 12 months later for each group. 76.4% of patients were classified as epilepsy secondary to cerebral palsy. 75% of patients showed ≥50% seizure frequency reduction among the VNS group as compared to 12.5% in the BMT group. None of both groups achieved seizure freedom. At 12 months, both BMT and VNS groups showed statistically significant improved overall cognitive score from baseline records (p=0.027) and (p=0.012), respectively, with a significantly higher improvement in VNS group. Also, statistical sub-analysis of cognitive subscales in cerebral palsy patients in both groups was conducted and revealed a significant improvement (p=0.02) in VNS group. We concluded that there is a potential role of VNS in improving cognitive functions which was proved by using a cost-effective screening tool. A significant effect was observed specially in cerebral palsy patients. This is very beneficial in limited-resources countries where VNS has high safety profile, seizure control and added values on cognitive functions.