Vagus nerve stimulation: a novel approach for prevention and control of refractory seizures.

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.