Publication: Vagus nerve stimulation: A novel approach for prevention and control of refractory seizures
Date
2007
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
In order to understand the brain function and to treat various neuropsychiatric illnesses including epilepsy, continued
search and discovery of newer antiepileptic drugs has failed to revolutionize the approach in the management of this
complex disorder. Moreover, in close to 30% of epilepsy patients, the seizure control is either not satisfactory or it is
intractable to pharmacotherapy. Amongst the non-pharmacological treatment options for refractory epilepsy, vagus
nerve stimulation occupies a unique position as an adjunctive treatment in prevention and control of partial-onset
seizures in adults and adolescents older than 12 years. Though the precise mode of action of VNS is still debatable
an honest attempt has been mode here to review all possible literatures available on VNS to establish its role in the
management of this complex disorder.
Key words: Neuropsychiatric illness, Intractable Epilepsy, Vagus nerve stimulation, Seizure control
Description
Bhattacharya SK 1, Das BP 2 , Rauniar GP 2 , Sangraula H 3
1 Professor & Head, 2 Additional Professor, 3 Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal