What have we learned from 8 years of deep brain stimulation of the anterior thalamic nucleus? Experiences and insights of a single center.
J Neurosurg
; : 1-10, 2020 Oct 30.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-33126208
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
In the absence of a standard or guideline for the treatment of epilepsy patients with deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the anterior nucleus of the thalamus (ANT), systematic single-center investigations are essential to establish effective approaches. Here, the authors report on the long-term results of one of the largest single-center ANT DBS cohorts.METHODS:
The outcome data of 23 consecutive patients with transventricularly implanted electrodes were retrospectively analyzed with regard to adverse events, lead placement, stimulation-related side effects, and changes in seizure frequency. Depression and quality-of-life scores were collected in a subgroup of 9 patients.RESULTS:
All but 2 patients initially underwent bilateral implantation, and 84.4% of all DBS leads were successfully located within the ANT. The mean follow-up time was 46.57 ± 23.20 months. A seizure reduction > 50% was documented in 73.9% of patients, and 34.6% achieved an Engel class I outcome. In 3 patients, clinical response was achieved by switching the electrode contact or changing from the monopolar to bipolar stimulation mode. Unilateral implantation seemed ineffective, whereas bilateral stimulation with successful ANT implantation only on one side led to a clinical response. Double stimulation with additional vagus nerve stimulation was safe. Changes in cycling mode or stimulation amplitude influenced therapy tolerability and, only to a lesser extent, seizure frequency. Side effects were rare and typically vanished by lowering the stimulation amplitude or changing the active electrode contact. Furthermore, depression and aspects of quality of life significantly improved with ANT DBS treatment.CONCLUSIONS:
The transventricular approach as well as double stimulation proved safe. The anteroventral ANT appeared to be the most efficacious stimulation site. This systematic investigation with reluctant medication changes allowed for the development of a better idea of the association between parameter changes and outcome in ANT DBS patients, but larger samples are still needed to assess the potential of bipolar stimulation and distinct cycling frequencies. Furthermore, more multifaceted and objective assessments of treatment outcome are needed to fully assess the effects of ANT DBS treatment.
AED = antiepileptic drug; ANT = anterior nucleus of the thalamus; BDI = Beck Depression Inventory; DBS = deep brain stimulation; EEG = electroencephalography; IPG = implantable pulse generator; QOL = quality of life; QOLIE-31 = Quality of Life in Epilepsy 31; SANTE = Stimulation of the Anterior Nucleus of the Thalamus for Epilepsy; VAT = volume of activated tissue; VNS = vagus nerve stimulation; deep brain; epilepsy; functional neurosurgery; neuromodulation; stimulation; thalamus
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Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Tipo de estudio:
Guideline
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Neurosurg
Año:
2020
Tipo del documento:
Article