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Semin Neurol 2002; 22(3): 259-268
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-36646
Copyright © 2002 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Devices in the Treatment of Epilepsy

Steven Karceski
  • College of Physicians & Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, New York
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Publication History

Publication Date:
15 January 2003 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The goal of the treatment of epilepsy is to eliminate seizures while causing no side effects. For persons whose seizures are refractory, epilepsy surgery may be an option. In addition, these patients may benefit from the vagus nerve stimulator (VNS), the first device approved for the treatment of refractory epilepsy. Although VNS was the first to be approved, investigators have been interested in the effectiveness of stimulating other brain regions: the cerebellum, thalamus, subthalamic nucleus, and locus coeruleus are a few examples. These studies have produced mixed results. As our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of epilepsy grows, it is likely that we will design better and more effective devices for the treatment of epilepsy.

KEYWORD

Vagus nerve stimulator - cerebellar stimulator - thalamic stimulator - refractory - epilepsy

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