Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation as a complementary therapy for pediatric epilepsy: A pilot trial

Abstract

ObjectiveWe investigated the safety and efficacy of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (ta-VNS) for the treatment of pediatric epilepsy. MethodsFourteen pediatric patients with intractable epilepsy were treated by ta-VNS of the bilateral auricular concha using an ear vagus nerve stimulator. The baseline seizure frequency was compared with that after 8weeks, from week 9 to 16 and from week 17 to the end of week 24, according to the seizure diaries of the patients. ResultsOne patient dropped out after 8weeks of treatment due to lack of efficacy, while the remaining 13 patients completed the 24-week study without any change in medication regimen. The mean reduction in seizure frequency relative to baseline was 31.83% after week 8, 54.13% from week 9 to 16 and 54.21% from week 17 to the end of week 24. The responder rate was 28.57% after 8weeks, 53.85% from week 9 to 16 and 53.85% from week 17 to the end of week 24. No severe adverse events were reported during treatment. ConclusionTranscutaneous auricular VNS may be a complementary treatment option for reducing seizure frequency in pediatric patients with intractable epilepsy and should be further studied.