Journal of Pediatric Epilepsy 2017; 06(02): 091-096
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1599188
Review Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Neurostimulation Techniques for the Treatment of Epilepsy

Authors

  • Nicholas J. Rosculet

    1   Division of Pediatric Neurology, Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
  • Carl E. Stafstrom

    1   Division of Pediatric Neurology, Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Further Information

Publication History

08 August 2016

23 October 2016

Publication Date:
02 March 2017 (online)

Preview

Abstract

For the one-third of patients with epilepsy whose seizures are refractory to medications and who are not surgical or dietary therapy candidates, alternative therapies such as neurostimulation provide a promising alternative. Neurostimulation techniques include vagus nerve stimulation, deep brain stimulation (particularly stimulation of the anterior thalamus), and responsive neurostimulation. Accumulating data support neurostimulation techniques as a safe and effective option for seizure reduction and improved quality of life for drug-refractory patients.