[Vagal nerve stimulation treatment in patients with drug resistant epilepsy: Son Espases University Hospital experience].

OBJECTIVE

To present our experience in treating drug-resistant epilepsy with vagal nerve stimulation in our centre, evaluating its impact on disease control and on different aspects related to the patients and main caretakers' quality of life.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of patients operated from January 2004 until December 2012. Interviews and tests completed by outpatients and principle caretakers were evaluated.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients were included, with a mean postoperative follow-up of 4.41 (0.5-8) years. Mean age at implantation was 25 (10-50) years. Over 66% of the patients perceived a reduction greater than 25% of their crisis intensity. Forty-seven percent of the patients experienced a decrease greater than 50% in the number of crises. As undesired adverse events, one patient presented persistent dysphonia, another self-limited cough and cervical discomfort and another, persistent cervical discomfort. The device had to be removed in 2 patients due to refractory headaches. There were no complications derived from the surgical procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Vagal nerve stimulation is an effective treatment for reducing crisis frequency and intensity. The patients as well as their caretakers experience a subjective improvement in their quality of life. Despite its economic cost, it seems to reduce their care needs to a certain degree and its use may therefore be justified.