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Abdullahi A, Etoom M, Badaru UM, Elibol N, Abuelsamen AA, Alawneh A, Zakari UU, Saeys W, Truijen S. Vagus nerve stimulation for the treatment of epilepsy: things to note on the protocols, the effects and the mechanisms of action. Int J Neurosci 2024; 134:560-569. [PMID: 36120993 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2022.2126776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder that is characterized by repetitive un-triggered seizures that occur severally within 24 h or more. Non-pharmacological methods for the management of epilepsy were discussed. The non-pharmacological methods include the vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) which is subdivided into invasive and non-invasive techniques. For the non-invasive techniques, the auricular VNS, stimulation of the cervical branch of vagus nerve in the neck, manual massage of the neck, and respiratory vagal nerve stimulation were discussed. Similarly, the stimulation parameters used and the mechanisms of actions through which VNS improves seizures were also discussed. Use of VNS to reduce seizure frequency has come a long way. However, considering the cost and side effects of the invasive method, non-invasive techniques should be given a renewed attention. In particular, respiratory vagal nerve stimulation should be considered. In doing this, the patients should for instance carry out slow-deep breathing exercise 6 to 8 times every 3 h during the waking hours. Slow-deep breathing can be carried out by the patients on their own; therefore this can serve as a form of self-management.HIGHLIGHTSEpilepsy can interfere with the patients' ability to carry out their daily activities and ultimately affect their quality of life.Medications are used to manage epilepsy; but they often have their serious side effects.Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is gaining ground especially in the management of refractory epilepsy.The VNS is administered through either the invasive or the non-invasive methodsThe invasive method of VNS like the medication has potential side effects, and can be costly.The non-invasive method includes auricular VNS, stimulation of the neck muscles and skin and respiratory vagal nerve stimulation via slow-deep breathing exercises.The respiratory vagal nerve stimulation via slow-deep breathing exercises seems easy to administer even by the patients themselves.Consequently, it is our opinion that patients with epilepsy be made to carry out slow-deep breathing exercise 6-8 times every 3 h during the waking hours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Auwal Abdullahi
- Department of Physiotherapy, Bayero University Kano, Nigeria
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Mohammad Etoom
- Department of Physiotherapy, Aqaba University of Technology, Aqaba, Jordan
| | | | - Nuray Elibol
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - Anoud Alawneh
- Department of Physiotherapy, Aqaba University of Technology, Aqaba, Jordan
| | - Usman Usman Zakari
- Department of Physiotherapy, Federal Medical Center, Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State, Nigeria
| | - Wim Saeys
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Steven Truijen
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Furlanis GM, Favaro J, Bresolin N, Grioni D, Baro V, D’Amico A, Sartori S, Denaro L, Landi A. Role of Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Refractory and Super Refractory Status Epilepticus: A Pediatric Case Series. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1589. [PMID: 38002548 PMCID: PMC10669853 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13111589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Status epilepticus is a life-threatening condition that is defined as refractory (RSE) when the seizure activity continues despite treatment with benzodiazepine and a second appropriate treatment. Super refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) is an RSE that persists or recurs for ≥24 h. Few papers have reported the outcomes of pediatric patients affected by RSE and SRSE and treated with neuromodulation therapies. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an approved treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy. We present our findings of pediatric patients treated with VNS for RSE/SRSE. METHODS We present a case series of seven consecutive pediatric patients treated with VNS for SRSE since 2012 by a single surgeon in Monza and Padua. A rapid titration was started soon after implantation. We considered electroclinical data before and after VNS implantation and at the last follow-up. RESULTS We achieved the resolution of SRSE in five out of seven patients in a mean time of two weeks. At the last follow-up, these patients had a significant reduction of seizure burden without any relapse of SE. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Based on our limited findings, we discuss the potential role of VNS therapy in similar but distinct clinical contexts. For patients with drug-resistant epilepsy and RSE/SRSE, prompt VNS consideration is suggested, offering rapid responses and potentially reducing pharmacological load. Meanwhile, in NORSE/FIRES, we suggest early neuromodulation during the acute phase if standard treatments prove ineffective or not tolerated. This approach may leverage VNS's potential anti-inflammatory effects and neuromodulation, enhancing patient-specific treatments. Expanding case studies and prolonged follow-ups are recommended to strengthen these clinical insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Melinda Furlanis
- Pediatric and Functional Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience, Padua University Hospital, via Giustiniani 5, 35127 Padova, Italy; (G.M.F.); (A.L.)
| | - Jacopo Favaro
- Neurology and Neurophysiology Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; (J.F.)
| | - Nicola Bresolin
- Pediatric and Functional Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience, Padua University Hospital, via Giustiniani 5, 35127 Padova, Italy; (G.M.F.); (A.L.)
| | | | - Valentina Baro
- Pediatric and Functional Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience, Padua University Hospital, via Giustiniani 5, 35127 Padova, Italy; (G.M.F.); (A.L.)
| | - Alberto D’Amico
- Pediatric and Functional Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience, Padua University Hospital, via Giustiniani 5, 35127 Padova, Italy; (G.M.F.); (A.L.)
| | - Stefano Sartori
- Neurology and Neurophysiology Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; (J.F.)
| | - Luca Denaro
- Pediatric and Functional Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience, Padua University Hospital, via Giustiniani 5, 35127 Padova, Italy; (G.M.F.); (A.L.)
| | - Andrea Landi
- Pediatric and Functional Neurosurgery, Department of Neuroscience, Padua University Hospital, via Giustiniani 5, 35127 Padova, Italy; (G.M.F.); (A.L.)
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Villar-Martinez MD, Goadsby PJ. Non-invasive neuromodulation of the cervical vagus nerve in rare primary headaches. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2023; 4:1062892. [PMID: 36994091 PMCID: PMC10040883 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2023.1062892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary headache disorders can be remarkably disabling and the therapeutic options available are usually limited to medication with a high rate of adverse events. Here, we discuss the mechanism of action of non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation, as well as the findings of the main studies involving patients with primary headaches other than migraine or cluster headache, such as hemicrania continua, paroxysmal hemicrania, cough headache, or short-lasting neuralgiform headache attacks (SUNCT/SUNA), in a narrative analysis. A bibliographical search of low-prevalence disorders such as rare primary headaches retrieves a moderate number of studies, usually underpowered. Headache intensity, severity, and duration showed a clinically significant reduction in the majority, especially those involving indomethacin-responsive headaches. The lack of response of some patients with a similar diagnosis could be due to a different stimulation pattern, technique, or total dose. The use of non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation for the treatment of primary headache disorders represents an excellent option for patients with these debilitating and otherwise refractory conditions, or that cannot tolerate several lines of preventive medication, and should always be considered before contemplating invasive, non-reversible stimulation techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Dolores Villar-Martinez
- Headache Group, Wolfson CARD, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- NIHR King's Clinical Research Facility, SLaM Biomedical Research Centre, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter J. Goadsby
- Headache Group, Wolfson CARD, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- NIHR King's Clinical Research Facility, SLaM Biomedical Research Centre, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Correspondence: Peter J. Goadsby
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Carron R, Roncon P, Lagarde S, Dibué M, Zanello M, Bartolomei F. Latest Views on the Mechanisms of Action of Surgically Implanted Cervical Vagal Nerve Stimulation in Epilepsy. Neuromodulation 2022; 26:498-506. [PMID: 36064522 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2022.08.447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is approved as an adjunctive treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy. Although there is a substantial amount of literature aiming at unraveling the mechanisms of action of VNS in epilepsy, it is still unclear how the cascade of events triggered by VNS leads to its antiepileptic effect. OBJECTIVE In this review, we integrated available peer-reviewed data on the effects of VNS in clinical and experimental research to identify those that are putatively responsible for its therapeutic effect. The topic of transcutaneous VNS will not be covered owing to the current lack of data supporting the differences and commonalities of its mechanisms of action in relation to invasive VNS. SUMMARY OF THE MAIN FINDINGS There is compelling evidence that the effect is obtained through the stimulation of large-diameter afferent myelinated fibers that project to the solitary tract nucleus, then to the parabrachial nucleus, which in turn alters the activity of the limbic system, thalamus, and cortex. VNS-induced catecholamine release from the locus coeruleus in the brainstem plays a pivotal role. Functional imaging studies tend to point toward a common vagal network that comes into play, made up of the amygdalo-hippocampal regions, left thalamus, and insular cortex. CONCLUSIONS Even though some crucial pieces are missing, neurochemical, molecular, cellular, and electrophysiological changes occur within the vagal afferent network at three main levels (the brainstem, the limbic system [amygdala and hippocampus], and the cortex). At this final level, VNS notably alters functional connectivity, which is known to be abnormally high within the epileptic zone and was shown to be significantly decreased by VNS in responders. The effect of crucial VNS parameters such as frequency or current amplitude on functional connectivity metrics is of utmost importance and requires further investigation.
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Dolphin H, Dukelow T, Finucane C, Commins S, McElwaine P, Kennelly SP. “The Wandering Nerve Linking Heart and Mind” – The Complementary Role of Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Modulating Neuro-Cardiovascular and Cognitive Performance. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:897303. [PMID: 35784842 PMCID: PMC9245542 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.897303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The vagus nerve is the longest nerve in the human body, providing afferent information about visceral sensation, integrity and somatic sensations to the CNS via brainstem nuclei to subcortical and cortical structures. Its efferent arm influences GI motility and secretion, cardiac ionotropy, chonotropy and heart rate variability, blood pressure responses, bronchoconstriction and modulates gag and cough responses via palatine and pharyngeal innervation. Vagus nerve stimulation has been utilized as a successful treatment for intractable epilepsy and treatment-resistant depression, and new non-invasive transcutaneous (t-VNS) devices offer equivalent therapeutic potential as invasive devices without the surgical risks. t-VNS offers exciting potential as a therapeutic intervention in cognitive decline and aging populations, classically affected by reduced cerebral perfusion by modulating both limbic and frontal cortical structures, regulating cerebral perfusion and improving parasympathetic modulation of the cardiovascular system. In this narrative review we summarize the research to date investigating the cognitive effects of VNS therapy, and its effects on neurocardiovascular stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Dolphin
- Department of Age-Related Healthcare, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Medical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- *Correspondence: Helena Dolphin,
| | - Tim Dukelow
- Department of Age-Related Healthcare, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ciaran Finucane
- Department of Medical Physics, St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sean Commins
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland
| | - Paul McElwaine
- Department of Age-Related Healthcare, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Medical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sean P. Kennelly
- Department of Age-Related Healthcare, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Medical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Riestenberg RA, Sherman AE, Clark AJS, Shahlaie K, Zwienenberg M, Alden T, Bandt SK. Patient-Specific Characteristics Associated with Favorable Response to Vagus Nerve Stimulation. World Neurosurg 2022; 161:e608-e624. [PMID: 35202878 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.02.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The expansion in treatments for medically refractory epilepsy heightens the importance of identifying patients who are likely to benefit from vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). Here, we identify predictors with a positive VNS response. METHODS We present a retrospective analysis of 158 patients with medically refractory epilepsy. Patients were categorized as VNS responders or nonresponders. Baseline characteristics and time to VNS response were recorded. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression were used to identify predictors of response. Recursive partitioning analysis was used to identify likely VNS responders. RESULTS Eighty-nine (56.3%) patients achieved ≥50% seizure frequency reduction. Left-hand dominance (hazard ratio [HR] 1.703, P = 0.038), age at epilepsy onset ≥15 years (HR 2.029, P = 0.005), duration of epilepsy ≥8 years (HR 1.968, P = 0.007) and age at implantation ≥35 years (HR 1.809, P = 0.020), and baseline seizure frequency <5/month (HR 1.569, P = 0.044) were significant univariate predictors of VNS response. Following multivariate Cox regression, left-hand dominance, age at epilepsy onset ≥15 years, and duration of epilepsy ≥8 years remained significant. With recursive partitioning analysis, patients with either age at epilepsy onset ≥15 years, left-hand dominance, or baseline seizure frequency <5/month were stratified into Group A and had a 73.9% responder rate; the remaining patients stratified into Group B had a 43.8% responder rate. CONCLUSIONS Patients with age at epilepsy onset ≥15 years, left-hand dominance, or baseline seizure frequency <5/month are ideal candidates for VNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Riestenberg
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA.
| | - Alain E Sherman
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Austin J S Clark
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Kiarash Shahlaie
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Marike Zwienenberg
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Tord Alden
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - S Kathleen Bandt
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Bayasgalan B, Matsuhashi M, Fumuro T, Nakano N, Katagiri M, Shimotake A, Kikuchi T, Iida K, Kunieda T, Kato A, Takahashi R, Ikeda A, Inui K. Neural Sources of Vagus Nerve Stimulation–Induced Slow Cortical Potentials. Neuromodulation 2022; 25:407-413. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2022.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Chen C, Mao Y, Falahpour M, MacNiven KH, Heit G, Sharma V, Alataris K, Liu TT. Effects of sub-threshold transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on cerebral blood flow. Sci Rep 2021; 11:24018. [PMID: 34912017 PMCID: PMC8674256 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03401-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) has shown promise as a non-invasive alternative to vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) with implantable devices, which has been used to treat drug-resistant epilepsy and treatment-resistant depression. Prior work has used functional MRI to investigate the brain response to taVNS, and more recent work has also demonstrated potential therapeutic effects of high-frequency sub-threshold taVNS in rheumatoid arthritis. However, no studies to date have measured the effects of high-frequency sub-threshold taVNS on cerebral blood flow (CBF). The objective of this study was to determine whether high-frequency (20 kHz) sub-threshold taVNS induces significant changes in CBF, a promising metric for the assessment of the sustained effects of taVNS. Arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI scans were performed on 20 healthy subjects in a single-blind placebo-controlled repeated measures experimental design. The ASL scans were performed before and after 15 min of either sub-threshold taVNS treatment or a sham control. taVNS induced significant changes in CBF in the superior posterior cerebellum that were largely localized to bilateral Crus I and Crus II. Post hoc analyses showed that the changes were driven by a treatment-related decrease in CBF. Fifteen minutes of high-frequency sub-threshold taVNS can induce sustained CBF decreases in the bilateral posterior cerebellum in a cohort of healthy subjects. This study lays the foundation for future studies in clinical populations, and also supports the use of ASL measures of CBF for the assessment of the sustained effects of taVNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conan Chen
- Center for Functional MRI, Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive #0677, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Yixiang Mao
- Center for Functional MRI, Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive #0677, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Maryam Falahpour
- Center for Functional MRI, Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive #0677, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Kelly H MacNiven
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Nēsos Corporation, Redwood City, CA, USA
| | - Gary Heit
- Nēsos Corporation, Redwood City, CA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue, Vietnam
| | | | | | - Thomas T Liu
- Center for Functional MRI, Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive #0677, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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Kunii N, Koizumi T, Kawai K, Shimada S, Saito N. Vagus Nerve Stimulation Amplifies Task-Induced Cerebral Blood Flow Increase. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:726087. [PMID: 34434098 PMCID: PMC8380847 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.726087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an established palliative surgical treatment for refractory epilepsy. Recently, pairing VNS with rehabilitation received growing attention for their joint effect on neural plasticity. However, objective biological measurements proving the interaction between VNS effects and cortical recruitment are lacking. Studies reported that VNS induced little blood flow increase in the cerebral cortex. Objective This study tested the hypothesis that pairing VNS with a cognitive task amplifies task-induced cerebral blood flow (CBF). Methods This study included 21 patients implanted with vagus nerve stimulator to treat refractory epilepsy. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) with sensors on the forehead measured CBF changes in the frontal cortices in response to VNS. Cerebral blood flow was measured when VNS was delivered during a resting state or a verbal fluency task. We analyzed the VNS effect on CBF in relation to stimulation intensity and clinical responsiveness. Results We observed no CBF change when VNS was delivered during rest, irrespective of stimulation intensity or responsiveness. Cerebral blood flow changed significantly when a verbal fluency task was paired with VNS in a stimulation intensity-dependent manner. Cerebral blood flow changes in the non-responders showed no intensity-dependency. Conclusion Our results could be an important biological proof of the interaction between VNS effects and cortical recruitment, supporting the validity of pairing VNS with rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Kunii
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Koizumi
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kensuke Kawai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Seijiro Shimada
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuhito Saito
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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Medina S, Bakar NA, O'Daly O, Miller S, Makovac E, Renton T, Williams SCR, Matharu M, Howard MA. Regional cerebral blood flow as predictor of response to occipital nerve block in cluster headache. J Headache Pain 2021; 22:91. [PMID: 34384347 PMCID: PMC8359299 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-021-01304-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cluster headache is an excruciating disorder with no cure. Greater occipital nerve blockades can transiently suppress attacks in approximately 50% of patients, however, its mechanism of action remains uncertain, and there are no reliable predictors of treatment response. To address this, we investigated the effect of occipital nerve blockade on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), an index of brain activity, and differences between treatment responders and non-responders. Finally, we compared baseline perfusion maps from patients to a matched group of healthy controls. Methods 21 male, treatment-naive patients were recruited while in a cluster headache bout. During a pain-free phase between headaches, patients underwent pseudo-continuous arterial spin labelled MRI assessments to provide quantitative indices of rCBF. MRIs were performed prior to and 7-to-21 days following treatment. Patients also recorded the frequency of their headache attacks in a daily paper diary. Neuropsychological assessment including anxiety, depression and quality of life measures was performed in a first, scanning free session for each patient. Results Following treatment, patients demonstrated relative rCBF reductions in posterior temporal gyrus, cerebellum and caudate, and rCBF increases in occipital cortex. Responders demonstrated relative rCBF increases, compared to non-responders, in medial prefrontal cortex and lateral occipital cortex at baseline, but relative reductions in cingulate and middle temporal cortices. rCBF was increased in patients compared to healthy controls in cerebellum and hippocampus, but reduced in orbitofrontal cortex, insula and middle temporal gyrus. Conclusions We provide new mechanistic insights regarding the aetiology of cluster headache, the mechanisms of action of occipital nerve blockades and potential predictors of treatment response. Future investigation should determine whether observed effects are reproducible and extend to other headache disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Medina
- Department of Neuroimaging, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Box 89, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK. .,Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, London, UK.
| | | | - Owen O'Daly
- Department of Neuroimaging, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Box 89, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Sarah Miller
- Headache and Facial Pain Group, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Elena Makovac
- Department of Neuroimaging, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Box 89, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK.,Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Tara Renton
- Department of Oral Surgery, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Steve C R Williams
- Department of Neuroimaging, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Box 89, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Manjit Matharu
- Headache and Facial Pain Group, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK
| | - Matthew A Howard
- Department of Neuroimaging, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Box 89, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
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Factors Affecting Vagus Nerve Stimulation Outcomes in Epilepsy. Neurol Res Int 2021; 2021:9927311. [PMID: 34394987 PMCID: PMC8357517 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9927311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy as a common neurological disease is mostly managed effectively with antiepileptic medications. One-third of patients do not respond to medical treatments requiring alternative therapies. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been used in the last decades for the treatment of medically resistant epilepsy. Despite the extensive use of VNS in these patients, factors associated with clinical outcomes of VNS remain to be elucidated. In this study, we evaluated factors affecting VNS outcomes in epileptic patients to have a better understanding of patients who are better candidates for VNS therapy. Several databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched through June 2020 for relevant articles. The following factors were assessed in this review: previous surgical history, age at implantation and gender, types of epilepsy, duration of epilepsy, age at epilepsy onset, frequency of attacks, antiepileptic drugs, VNS parameters, EEG findings, MRI findings, and biomarkers. Literature data show that nonresponder rates range between 25% and 65%. Given the complexity and diversity of factors associated with response to VNS, more clinical studies are needed to establish better paradigm for selection of patients for VNS therapy.
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Mercante B, Nuvoli S, Sotgiu MA, Manca A, Todesco S, Melis F, Spanu A, Deriu F. SPECT imaging of cerebral blood flow changes induced by acute trigeminal nerve stimulation in drug-resistant epilepsy. A pilot study. Clin Neurophysiol 2021; 132:1274-1282. [PMID: 33867259 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2021.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the cortical areas targeted by acute transcutaneous trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). METHODS Ten patients with DRE underwent brain SPECT at baseline and immediately after a 20-minute TNS (0.25 ms; 120 Hz; 30 s ON and 30 s OFF) applied bilaterally to the infraorbital nerve. The French Color Standard International Scale was used for qualitative analyses and z-scores were used to calculate the Odds Ratio (OR). RESULTS At baseline global hypoperfusion (mainly in temporo-mesial, temporo-parietal and fronto-temporal and temporo-occipital areas) was detected in all patients. Following TNS, a global increase in cortical tracer uptake and a significant decrease in median hypoperfusion score were observed. A significant effect favoring a general TNS-induced increase in cortical perfusion (OR = 4.96; p = 0.0005) was detected in 70% of cases, with significant effects in the limbic (p = 0.003) and temporal (p = 0.003) lobes. Quantitative analyses of z-scores confirmed significant TNS-induced increases in perfusion in the temporal (+0.59 SDs; p = 0.001), and limbic (+0.43 SDs; p = 0.03) lobes. CONCLUSION Short-term TNS is followed a global increase in cortical perfusion, namely in the temporal and limbic lobes. SIGNIFICANCE The TNS-induced perfusion increase may reflect neurons' activity changes in cortical areas implicated in the epilepsy network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beniamina Mercante
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Susanna Nuvoli
- Unit of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Science, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Maria A Sotgiu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Andrea Manca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Sara Todesco
- Neurology Unit, «A. Segni» Hospital, ASL n. 1, Sassari, Italy
| | - Francesco Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Angela Spanu
- Unit of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Science, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Franca Deriu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.
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13
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Takahashi H, Shiramatsu TI, Hitsuyu R, Ibayashi K, Kawai K. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)-induced layer-specific modulation of evoked responses in the sensory cortex of rats. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8932. [PMID: 32488047 PMCID: PMC7265555 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65745-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromodulation achieved by vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) induces various neuropsychiatric effects whose underlying mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. Innervation of neuromodulators and a microcircuit structure in the cerebral cortex informed the hypothesis that VNS exerts layer-specific modulation in the sensory cortex and alters the balance between feedforward and feedback pathways. To test this hypothesis, we characterized laminar profiles of auditory-evoked potentials (AEPs) in the primary auditory cortex (A1) of anesthetized rats with an array of microelectrodes and investigated the effects of VNS on AEPs and stimulus specific adaptation (SSA). VNS predominantly increased the amplitudes of AEPs in superficial layers, but this effect diminished with depth. In addition, VNS exerted a stronger modulation of the neural responses to repeated stimuli than to deviant stimuli, resulting in decreased SSA across all layers of the A1. These results may provide new insights that the VNS-induced neuropsychiatric effects may be attributable to a sensory gain mechanism: VNS strengthens the ascending input in the sensory cortex and creates an imbalance in the strength of activities between superficial and deep cortical layers, where the feedfoward and feedback pathways predominantly originate, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirokazu Takahashi
- Department of Mechano-informatics, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Tomoyo I Shiramatsu
- Department of Mechano-informatics, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rie Hitsuyu
- Department of Mechano-informatics, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Ibayashi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kensuke Kawai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
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14
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Mithani K, Wong SM, Mikhail M, Pourmotabbed H, Pang E, Sharma R, Yau I, Ochi A, Otsubo H, Snead OC, Donner E, Go C, Widjaja E, Babajani-Feremi A, Ibrahim GM. Somatosensory evoked fields predict response to vagus nerve stimulation. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2020; 26:102205. [PMID: 32070812 PMCID: PMC7026289 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2020.102205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
There is a need to preoperatively identify children who will respond to VNS. There is similarity between the afferent vagus and median nerve projections to S1. Median nerve somatosensory evoked fields identify those who will respond to VNS.
There is an unmet need to develop robust predictive algorithms to preoperatively identify pediatric epilepsy patients who will respond to vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). Given the similarity in the neural circuitry between vagus and median nerve afferent projections to the primary somatosensory cortex, the current study hypothesized that median nerve somatosensory evoked field(s) (SEFs) could be used to predict seizure response to VNS. Retrospective data from forty-eight pediatric patients who underwent VNS at two different institutions were used in this study. Thirty-six patients (“Discovery Cohort”) underwent preoperative electrical median nerve stimulation during magnetoencephalography (MEG) recordings and 12 patients (“Validation Cohort”) underwent preoperative pneumatic stimulation during MEG. SEFs and their spatial deviation, waveform amplitude and latency, and event-related connectivity were calculated for all patients. A support vector machine (SVM) classifier was trained on the Discovery Cohort to differentiate responders from non-responders based on these input features and tested on the Validation Cohort by comparing the model-predicted response to VNS to the known response. We found that responders to VNS had significantly more widespread SEF localization and greater functional connectivity within limbic and sensorimotor networks in response to median nerve stimulation. No difference in SEF amplitude or latencies was observed between the two cohorts. The SVM classifier demonstrated 88.9% accuracy (0.93 area under the receiver operator characteristics curve) on cross-validation, which decreased to 67% in the Validation cohort. By leveraging overlapping neural circuitry, we found that median nerve SEF characteristics and functional connectivity could identify responders to VNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Mithani
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Simeon M Wong
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Haatef Pourmotabbed
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA; Neuroscience Institute, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Elizabeth Pang
- Division of Neurology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Roy Sharma
- Division of Neurology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ivanna Yau
- Division of Neurology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ayako Ochi
- Division of Neurology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Hiroshi Otsubo
- Division of Neurology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - O Carter Snead
- Division of Neurology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Donner
- Division of Neurology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Cristina Go
- Division of Neurology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Elysa Widjaja
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Abbas Babajani-Feremi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA; Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA; Neuroscience Institute, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - George M Ibrahim
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Division of Neurosurgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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15
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Fan J, Shan W, Wu J, Wang Q. Research progress of vagus nerve stimulation in the treatment of epilepsy. CNS Neurosci Ther 2019; 25:1222-1228. [PMID: 31429206 PMCID: PMC6834923 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Revised: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) defined drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) that epilepsy seizure symptoms cannot be controlled with two well-tolerated and appropriately chosen antiepileptic drugs, whether they are given as monotherapy or in combination. According to the WHO reports, there is about 30%-40% of epilepsy patients belong to DRE. These patients need some treatments other than drugs, such as epilepsy surgery, and neuromodulation treatment. Traditional surgical approaches may be limited by the patient's clinical status, pathological tissue location, or overall prognosis. Thus, neuromodulation is an alternative choice to control their symptoms. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is one of the neuromodulation methods clinically, which have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In this review, we systematically describe the clinical application, clinical effects, possible antiepileptic mechanisms, and future research directions of VNS for epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing‐Jing Fan
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Medicine of Neurological DiseasesBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute for Brain DisordersBeijingChina
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain ProtectionCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Wei Shan
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Medicine of Neurological DiseasesBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute for Brain DisordersBeijingChina
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain ProtectionCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jian‐Ping Wu
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Medicine of Neurological DiseasesBeijingChina
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain ProtectionCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Qun Wang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Medicine of Neurological DiseasesBeijingChina
- Beijing Institute for Brain DisordersBeijingChina
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16
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Ilyas A, Toth E, Pizarro D, Riley KO, Pati S. Modulation of neural oscillations by vagus nerve stimulation in posttraumatic multifocal epilepsy: case report. J Neurosurg 2019; 131:1079-1085. [PMID: 30497180 DOI: 10.3171/2018.6.jns18735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The putative mechanism of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for medically refractory epilepsy is desynchronization of hippocampal and thalamocortical circuitry; however, the nature of the dose-response relationship and temporal dynamics is poorly understood. For greater elucidation, a study in a nonepileptic rat model was previously conducted and showed that rapid-cycle (RC) VNS achieved superior desynchrony compared to standard-cycle (SC) VNS. Here, the authors report on the first in-human analysis of the neuromodulatory dose-response effects of VNS in a patient with posttraumatic, independent, bilateral mesial temporal lobe epilepsy refractory to medications and SC-VNS who was referred as a potential candidate for a responsive neurostimulation device. During stereotactic electroencephalography (SEEG) recordings, the VNS device was initially turned off, then changed to SC-VNS and then RC-VNS settings. Spectral analysis revealed a global reduction of power in the theta (4-8 Hz) and alpha (8-15 Hz) bands with both SC- and RC-VNS compared to the stimulation off setting (p < 0.001). Furthermore, in the alpha band, both SC- and RC-VNS were associated with greater global desynchrony compared to the off setting (p < 0.001); and, specifically, in the bilateral epileptogenic hippocampi, RC-VNS further reduced spectral power compared to SC-VNS (p < 0.001). The dose-response and temporal effects suggest that VNS modulates regional and global dynamics differently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeel Ilyas
- Departments of1Neurosurgery and
- 3Epilepsy and Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Emilia Toth
- 2Neurology; and
- 3Epilepsy and Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Diana Pizarro
- 2Neurology; and
- 3Epilepsy and Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama
| | | | - Sandipan Pati
- 2Neurology; and
- 3Epilepsy and Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama
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17
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Abstract
Cingulate epilepsy manifests with a broad range of semiologic features and seizure types. Key clinical features may elucidate ictal involvement of certain subregions of the cingulate gyrus. Ictal and interictal electroencephalogram findings in cingulate epilepsy vary and are often poorly localized, adding to the diagnostic challenge of identifying the seizure onset zone for presurgical cases, particularly in the absence of a lesion on imaging. Recent advances in multimodal imaging techniques may contribute to ictal localization and further our understanding of neural and epileptic pathways involving the cingulate gyrus. Beyond medication and surgical resection, new techniques including stereotactic laser ablation, responsive neurostimulation, and deep brain stimulation offer additional approaches for the treatment of cingulate epilepsy.
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18
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Yu R, Park HJ, Cho H, Ko A, Pae C, Oh MK, Kang HC, Kim HD, Park EK, Shim KW, Kim DS, Lee JS. Interregional metabolic connectivity of 2-deoxy-2[ 18 F]fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography in vagus nerve stimulation for pediatric patients with epilepsy: A retrospective cross-sectional study. Epilepsia 2018; 59:2249-2259. [PMID: 30370541 DOI: 10.1111/epi.14590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE With the recognition of epilepsy as a network disease that disrupts the organizing ability of resting-state brain networks, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) may control epileptic seizures through modulation of functional connectivity. We evaluated preoperative 2-deoxy-2[18 F]fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) in VNS-implanted pediatric patients with refractory epilepsy to analyze the metabolic connectivity of patients and its prognostic role in seizure control. METHODS Preoperative PET data of 66 VNS pediatric patients who were followed up for a minimum of 1 year after the procedure were collected for the study. Retrospective review of the patients' charts was performed, and five patients with inappropriate PET data or major health issues were excluded. We conducted an independent component analysis of FDG-PET to extract spatial metabolic components and their activities, which were used to perform cross-sectional metabolic network analysis. We divided the patients into VNS-effective and VNS-ineffective groups (VNS-effective group, ≥50% seizure reduction; VNS-ineffective group, <50% reduction) and compared metabolic connectivity differences between groups using a permutation test. RESULTS Thirty-four (55.7%) patients showed >50% seizure reduction from baseline frequency 1 year after VNS. A significant difference in metabolic connectivity evaluated by preoperative FDG-PET was noted between groups. Relative changes in glucose metabolism were strongly connected among the areas of brainstem, cingulate gyrus, cerebellum, bilateral insula, and putamen in patients with <50% seizure control after VNS. SIGNIFICANCE This study shows that seizure outcome of VNS may be influenced by metabolic connectivity, which can be obtained from preoperative PET imaging. This study of metabolic connectivity analysis may contribute in further understanding of the mechanism of VNS in intractable seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hae-Jeong Park
- Departments of Nuclear Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,BK21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hojin Cho
- Departments of Nuclear Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ara Ko
- Department of Pediatrics, Pusan National University Children's Hospital, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Chongwon Pae
- Departments of Nuclear Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,BK21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Maeng-Keun Oh
- Departments of Nuclear Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hoon-Chul Kang
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Heung Dong Kim
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun-Kyung Park
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyu-Won Shim
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong Suk Kim
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joon Soo Lee
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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19
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Kulju T, Haapasalo J, Lehtimäki K, Rainesalo S, Peltola J. Similarities between the responses to ANT-DBS and prior VNS in refractory epilepsy. Brain Behav 2018; 8:e00983. [PMID: 29740975 PMCID: PMC5991584 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Neurostimulation has offered new treatment options in refractory epilepsy, first with vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) and more recently with deep brain stimulation (DBS). There is a lack of previous detailed data assessing the relationship between VNS and ANT-DBS. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential correlation between therapeutic responses to VNS and ANT-DBS. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 11 patients with previous VNS therapy underwent ANT-DBS implantation. Monthly seizure counts starting from baseline before VNS extending to long-term DBS treatment were analyzed. The reasons for VNS discontinuation were assessed. RESULTS Altogether in 10 of 11 patients, the response to VNS seemed to be similar to the response to DBS therapy. Progressive response to VNS was likely to correlate with a progressive response to DBS in three of three patients. Partial response to VNS was associated with a fluctuating response pattern to DBS in two patients. Five of six nonresponders to VNS were also nonresponders to DBS. One of the VNS nonresponders obtained progressive response to DBS. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to evaluate in detail the effect of both VNS and ANT-DBS in refractory epilepsy patients. There is a putative association between VNS and DBS responses suggesting the need for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toni Kulju
- Department of Neurosciences and RehabilitationTampere University HospitalTampereFinland
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of TampereTampereFinland
| | - Joonas Haapasalo
- Department of Neurosciences and RehabilitationTampere University HospitalTampereFinland
| | - Kai Lehtimäki
- Department of Neurosciences and RehabilitationTampere University HospitalTampereFinland
| | - Sirpa Rainesalo
- Department of Neurosciences and RehabilitationTampere University HospitalTampereFinland
| | - Jukka Peltola
- Department of Neurosciences and RehabilitationTampere University HospitalTampereFinland
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of TampereTampereFinland
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20
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Cao J, Lu KH, Powley TL, Liu Z. Vagal nerve stimulation triggers widespread responses and alters large-scale functional connectivity in the rat brain. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0189518. [PMID: 29240833 PMCID: PMC5730194 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a therapy for epilepsy and depression. However, its efficacy varies and its mechanism remains unclear. Prior studies have used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to map brain activations with VNS in human brains, but have reported inconsistent findings. The source of inconsistency is likely attributable to the complex temporal characteristics of VNS-evoked fMRI responses that cannot be fully explained by simplified response models in the conventional model-based analysis for activation mapping. To address this issue, we acquired 7-Tesla blood oxygenation level dependent fMRI data from anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats receiving electrical stimulation at the left cervical vagus nerve. Using spatially independent component analysis, we identified 20 functional brain networks and detected the network-wise activations with VNS in a data-driven manner. Our results showed that VNS activated 15 out of 20 brain networks, and the activated regions covered >76% of the brain volume. The time course of the evoked response was complex and distinct across regions and networks. In addition, VNS altered the strengths and patterns of correlations among brain networks relative to those in the resting state. The most notable changes in network-network interactions were related to the limbic system. Together, such profound and widespread effects of VNS may underlie its unique potential for a wide range of therapeutics to relieve central or peripheral conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayue Cao
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States
- Purdue Institute of Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States
| | - Kun-Han Lu
- Purdue Institute of Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States
| | - Terry L Powley
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States
- Purdue Institute of Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States
- Department of Psychological Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States
| | - Zhongming Liu
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States
- Purdue Institute of Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States
- * E-mail:
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21
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Presurgical thalamocortical connectivity is associated with response to vagus nerve stimulation in children with intractable epilepsy. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2017; 16:634-642. [PMID: 28971013 PMCID: PMC5619991 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2017.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Revised: 09/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Although chronic vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an established treatment for medically-intractable childhood epilepsy, there is considerable heterogeneity in seizure response and little data are available to pre-operatively identify patients who may benefit from treatment. Since the therapeutic effect of VNS may be mediated by afferent projections to the thalamus, we tested the hypothesis that intrinsic thalamocortical connectivity is associated with seizure response following chronic VNS in children with epilepsy. Twenty-one children (ages 5-21 years) with medically-intractable epilepsy underwent resting-state fMRI prior to implantation of VNS. Ten received sedation, while 11 did not. Whole brain connectivity to thalamic regions of interest was performed. Multivariate generalized linear models were used to correlate resting-state data with seizure outcomes, while adjusting for age and sedation status. A supervised support vector machine (SVM) algorithm was used to classify response to chronic VNS on the basis of intrinsic connectivity. Of the 21 subjects, 11 (52%) had 50% or greater improvement in seizure control after VNS. Enhanced connectivity of the thalami to the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and left insula was associated with greater VNS efficacy. Within our test cohort, SVM correctly classified response to chronic VNS with 86% accuracy. In an external cohort of 8 children, the predictive model correctly classified the seizure response with 88% accuracy. We find that enhanced intrinsic connectivity within thalamocortical circuitry is associated with seizure response following VNS. These results encourage the study of intrinsic connectivity to inform neural network-based, personalized treatment decisions for children with intractable epilepsy.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fecal incontinence (FI) has a devastating effect on the quality of life and results in social isolation. Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is proven to be an effective, minimal invasive treatment modality for FI. Despite the increasing application of SNM, the exact mechanisms of action remain unclear. The initial assumption of peripheral motor neurostimulation is not supported by increasing evidence, which report effects of SNM outside the pelvic floor. A new hypothesis states that afferent signals to the brain are essential for a successful therapy. This study aimed to review relevant studies on the central mechanism of SNM in FI. METHODS Clinical and experimental studies on the central mechanisms, both brain and spinal cord, of SNM for FI up to December 2015 were evaluated. RESULTS In total, 8 studies were found describing original data on the central mechanism of SNM for FI. Four studies evaluated the central effects of SNM in a clinical setting and 4 studies evaluated the central effects of SNM in an experimental animal model. Results demonstrated a variety of (sub)cortical and spinal changes after induction of SNM. CONCLUSION Review of literature demonstrated evidence for a central mechanism of action of SNM for FI. The corticoanal pathways, brainstem, and specific parts of the spinal cord are involved.
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Frangos E, Komisaruk BR. Access to Vagal Projections via Cutaneous Electrical Stimulation of the Neck: fMRI Evidence in Healthy Humans. Brain Stimul 2017; 10:19-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2016.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
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de Lartigue G. Role of the vagus nerve in the development and treatment of diet-induced obesity. J Physiol 2016; 594:5791-5815. [PMID: 26959077 DOI: 10.1113/jp271538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This review highlights evidence for a role of the vagus nerve in the development of obesity and how targeting the vagus nerve with neuromodulation or pharmacology can be used as a therapeutic treatment of obesity. The vagus nerve innervating the gut plays an important role in controlling metabolism. It communicates peripheral information about the volume and type of nutrients between the gut and the brain. Depending on the nutritional status, vagal afferent neurons express two different neurochemical phenotypes that can inhibit or stimulate food intake. Chronic ingestion of calorie-rich diets reduces sensitivity of vagal afferent neurons to peripheral signals and their constitutive expression of orexigenic receptors and neuropeptides. This disruption of vagal afferent signalling is sufficient to drive hyperphagia and obesity. Furthermore neuromodulation of the vagus nerve can be used in the treatment of obesity. Although the mechanisms are poorly understood, vagal nerve stimulation prevents weight gain in response to a high-fat diet. In small clinical studies, in patients with depression or epilepsy, vagal nerve stimulation has been demonstrated to promote weight loss. Vagal blockade, which inhibits the vagus nerve, results in significant weight loss. Vagal blockade is proposed to inhibit aberrant orexigenic signals arising in obesity as a putative mechanism of vagal blockade-induced weight loss. Approaches and molecular targets to develop future pharmacotherapy targeted to the vagus nerve for the treatment of obesity are proposed. In conclusion there is strong evidence that the vagus nerve is involved in the development of obesity and it is proving to be an attractive target for the treatment of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume de Lartigue
- The John B. Pierce Laboratory, New Haven, CT, USA. .,Dept Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Rosillo-de la Torre A, Zurita-Olvera L, Orozco-Suárez S, Garcia Casillas PE, Salgado-Ceballos H, Luna-Bárcenas G, Rocha L. Phenytoin carried by silica core iron oxide nanoparticles reduces the expression of pharmacoresistant seizures in rats. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2015; 10:3563-77. [DOI: 10.2217/nnm.15.173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: The present study was focused to evaluate the anticonvulsant effects of phenytoin (PHT) loaded in the silica core of iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) in an animal model with pharmacoresistant seizures. Materials & methods: PHT-loaded NPs were synthesized and characterized. The anticonvulsant effects of PHT-loaded NPs were investigated in rats with pharmacoresistant seizures associated with brain P-glycoprotein (P-gp) overexpression. Results & conclusion: In P-gp-overexpressing rats, administration of PHT-loaded NPs resulted in reduced prevalence of clonus (40% p < 0.05) and tonic–clonic seizures (20%; p < 0.02). These effects were not evident when animals were treated with PHT not loaded in the NPs. The results obtained support the notion that NPs can be used as drugs carriers to the brain with pharmacoresistant seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Argelia Rosillo-de la Torre
- Department of Pharmacobiology, Center of Research & Advanced Studies, Calz. de los Tenorios No. 235. Col. Granjas Coapa, 14330, Tlalpan, DF Mexico
| | - Lizbeth Zurita-Olvera
- Polymer & Biopolymer Research Group, Center of Research & Advanced Studies, Querétaro Unit, Libramiento Norponiente #2000, Fracc. Real de Juriquilla, 76230, Queretaro, Mexico
| | - Sandra Orozco-Suárez
- Unit for Medical Research in Neurological Diseases, National Medical Center, Av. Cuauhtémoc 330. Col. Doctores, 06720, Cuauhtémoc, DF Mexico
| | - Perla E Garcia Casillas
- Institute of Engineer & Technology, Autonomus University of Juarez City, Av. del Charro no. 450 Nte. Col. Partido Romero, 32310, Juarez City, Chihuahua, Mexico
| | - Hermelinda Salgado-Ceballos
- Unit for Medical Research in Neurological Diseases, National Medical Center, Av. Cuauhtémoc 330. Col. Doctores, 06720, Cuauhtémoc, DF Mexico
| | - Gabriel Luna-Bárcenas
- Polymer & Biopolymer Research Group, Center of Research & Advanced Studies, Querétaro Unit, Libramiento Norponiente #2000, Fracc. Real de Juriquilla, 76230, Queretaro, Mexico
| | - Luisa Rocha
- Department of Pharmacobiology, Center of Research & Advanced Studies, Calz. de los Tenorios No. 235. Col. Granjas Coapa, 14330, Tlalpan, DF Mexico
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Abstract
Several palliative neuromodulation treatment modalities are currently available for adjunctive use in the treatment of medically intractable epilepsy. Over the past decades, a variety of different central and peripheral nervous system sites have been identified, clinically and experimentally, as potential targets for chronic, nonresponsive therapeutic neurostimulation. Currently, the main modalities in clinical use, from most invasive to least invasive, are anterior thalamus deep brain stimulation, vagus nerve stimulation, and trigeminal nerve stimulation. Significant reductions in seizure frequency have been demonstrated in clinical trials using each of these neuromodulation therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vibhor Krishna
- Division of Neurosurgery, University of Toronto, Toronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T2S8, Canada
| | - Francesco Sammartino
- Division of Neurosurgery, University of Toronto, Toronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T2S8, Canada
| | - Nicholas Kon Kam King
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Neuroscience Institute, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433
| | - Rosa Qui Yue So
- Department of Neural & Biomedical Technology, Institute for Infocomm Research, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, 1 Fusionopolis Way, #21-01 Connexis, Singapore 138632
| | - Richard Wennberg
- Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Krembil Neuroscience Centre, University Health Network, Toronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T2S8, Canada.
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Barbanti P, Grazzi L, Egeo G, Padovan AM, Liebler E, Bussone G. Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation for acute treatment of high-frequency and chronic migraine: an open-label study. J Headache Pain 2015; 16:61. [PMID: 26123825 PMCID: PMC4485661 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-015-0542-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2015] [Accepted: 06/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment of migraine headache is challenging given the lack of a standardized approach to care, unsatisfactory response rates, and medication overuse. Neuromodulation therapy has gained interest as an alternative to pharmacologic therapy for primary headache disorders. This study investigated the effects of non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) in patients with high-frequency episodic migraine (HFEM) and chronic migraine (CM). FINDINGS In this open-label, single-arm, multicenter study, patients with HFEM or CM self-treated up to 3 consecutive mild or moderate migraine attacks that occurred during a 2-week period by delivering two 120-s doses of nVNS at 3-min intervals to the right cervical branch of the vagus nerve. Of the 50 migraineurs enrolled (CM/HFEM: 36/14), 48 treated 131 attacks. The proportion of patients reporting pain relief, defined as a ≥50% reduction in visual analog scale (VAS) score, was 56.3% at 1 h and 64.6% at 2 h. Of these patients, 35.4% and 39.6% achieved pain-free status (VAS = 0) at 1 and 2 h, respectively. When all attacks (N = 131) were considered, the pain-relief rate was 38.2% at 1 h and 51.1% at 2 h, whereas the pain-free rate was 17.6% at 1 h and 22.9% at 2 h. Treatment with nVNS was safe and well tolerated. CONCLUSION Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation may be effective as acute treatment for HFEM or CM and may help to reduce medication overuse and medication-associated adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piero Barbanti
- Headache and Pain Unit, Department of Neurological Motor and Sensorial Sciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Via della Pisana 235, 00163, Rome, Italy,
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Conway CR, Colijn MA, Schachter SC. Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Epilepsy and Depression. Brain Stimul 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/9781118568323.ch17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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Chen S, Wang S, Rong P, Liu J, Zhang H, Zhang J. Acupuncture for refractory epilepsy: role of thalamus. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2014; 2014:950631. [PMID: 25548594 PMCID: PMC4273587 DOI: 10.1155/2014/950631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Revised: 08/12/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Neurostimulation procedures like vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) and deep brain stimulation have been used to treat refractory epilepsy and other neurological disorders. While holding promise, they are invasive interventions with serious complications and adverse effects. Moreover, their efficacies are modest with less seizure free. Acupuncture is a simple, safe, and effective traditional healing modality for a wide range of diseases including pain and epilepsy. Thalamus takes critical role in sensory transmission and is highly involved in epilepsy genesis particularly the absence epilepsy. Considering thalamus serves as a convergent structure for both acupuncture and VNS and the thalamic neuronal activities can be modulated by acupuncture, we propose that acupuncture could be a promising therapy or at least a screening tool to select suitable candidates for those invasive modalities in the management of refractory epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuping Chen
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Shubin Wang
- China General Meitan Hospital, Beijing 100028, China
| | - Peijing Rong
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Junling Liu
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Hongqi Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong
| | - Jianliang Zhang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
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31
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Martlé V, Peremans K, Raedt R, Vermeire S, Vonck K, Boon P, Van Ham L, Tshamala M, Caemaert J, Dobbeleir A, Duchateau L, Waelbers T, Gielen I, Bhatti S. Regional brain perfusion changes during standard and microburst vagus nerve stimulation in dogs. Epilepsy Res 2014; 108:616-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2014.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2013] [Revised: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Fraschini M, Puligheddu M, Demuru M, Polizzi L, Maleci A, Tamburini G, Congia S, Bortolato M, Marrosu F. VNS induced desynchronization in gamma bands correlates with positive clinical outcome in temporal lobe pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Neurosci Lett 2013; 536:14-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2012.12.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2012] [Revised: 11/14/2012] [Accepted: 12/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Abstract
Major depressive disorder is a serious medical illness which is responsible for considerable morbidity and disability. Despite decades of research, the neural basis for depression is still incompletely understood. In this review, evidence from neuroimaging, neuropsychiatric and brain stimulations studies are explored to answer the question regarding the localization of depression in the brain. Neuroimaging studies indicate that although many regions of the brain have been repeatedly implicated in the pathophysiology of depression, not many consistent findings have been found until present. In recent times, the focus of neuroimaging has shifted from regional brain abnormalities to circuit level connectivity abnormalities. However, connectivity models are inherently more complicated, and the validity of these models remains to be tested. Neuropsychiatric studies of illnesses such as Parkinson's disease and stroke provide promising clues regarding areas involved in depression, but again consistent findings are rare. Similarly, stimulation of a variety of brain regions and circuits has been reported as being effective in depression. Therefore, the current knowledge indicates that the pathophysiology of depression may be distributed across many brain regions and circuits. In future studies, this distributed nature of depression needs to be further investigated, primary and secondary areas affected need to be identified, and new paradigms to explain complex mental functions need to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayur Pandya
- Department of Psychiatry and Center for Behavioral Health, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic
| | - Murat Altinay
- Department of Psychiatry and Center for Behavioral Health, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic
| | - Donald A. Malone
- Department of Psychiatry and Center for Behavioral Health, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic
| | - Amit Anand
- Indiana University Center for Neuroimaging, Department of Radiology, 950 West Walnut Street, E124, Indianapolis, IN 46202
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Ziomber A, Thor P, Krygowska-Wajs A, Załęcki T, Moskała M, Romańska I, Michaluk J, Antkiewicz-Michaluk L. Chronic impairment of the vagus nerve function leads to inhibition of dopamine but not serotonin neurons in rat brain structures. Pharmacol Rep 2012; 64:1359-67. [DOI: 10.1016/s1734-1140(12)70933-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2012] [Revised: 08/09/2012] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Bari AA, Pouratian N. Brain imaging correlates of peripheral nerve stimulation. Surg Neurol Int 2012; 3:S260-8. [PMID: 23230531 PMCID: PMC3514912 DOI: 10.4103/2152-7806.103016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2012] [Accepted: 09/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct peripheral nerve stimulation is an effective treatment for a number of disorders including epilepsy, depression, neuropathic pain, cluster headache, and urological dysfunction. The efficacy of this stimulation is ultimately due to modulation of activity in the central nervous system. However, the exact brain regions involved in each disorder and how they are modulated by peripheral nerve stimulation is not fully understood. The use of functional neuroimaging such as SPECT, PET and fMRI in patients undergoing peripheral nerve stimulation can help us to understand these mechanisms. We review the literature for functional neuroimaging performed in patients implanted with peripheral nerve stimulators for the above-mentioned disorders. These studies suggest that brain activity in response to peripheral nerve stimulation is a complex interaction between the stimulation parameters, disease type and severity, chronicity of stimulation, as well as nonspecific effects. From this information we may be able to understand which brain structures are involved in the mechanism of peripheral nerve stimulation as well as define the neural substrates underlying these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ausaf A Bari
- Department of Neurosurgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
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36
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Witcher MR, Ellis TL. Astroglial networks and implications for therapeutic neuromodulation of epilepsy. Front Comput Neurosci 2012; 6:61. [PMID: 22952462 PMCID: PMC3429855 DOI: 10.3389/fncom.2012.00061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2012] [Accepted: 07/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common chronic neurologic disorder affecting approximately 1% of the world population. More than one-third of all epilepsy patients have incompletely controlled seizures or debilitating medication side effects in spite of optimal medical management. Medically refractory epilepsy is associated with excess injury and mortality, psychosocial dysfunction, and significant cognitive impairment. Effective treatment options for these patients can be limited. The cellular mechanisms underlying seizure activity are incompletely understood, though we here describe multiple lines of evidence supporting the likely contribution of astroglia to epilepsy, with focus on individual astrocytes and their network functions. Of the emerging therapeutic modalities for epilepsy, one of the most intriguing is the field of neuromodulation. Neuromodulatory treatment, which consists of administering electrical pulses to neural tissue to modulate its activity leading to a beneficial effect, may be an option for these patients. Current modalities consist of vagal nerve stimulation, open and closed-loop stimulation, and transcranial magnetic stimulation. Due to their unique properties, we here present astrocytes as likely important targets for the developing field of neuromodulation in the treatment of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark R Witcher
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wake Forest University Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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Pandurangi AK, Fernicola-Bledowski C, Bledowski J. Brain stimulation therapies for psychiatric disorders: The first decade of the new millennium--A review. Asian J Psychiatr 2012; 5:3-10. [PMID: 26878940 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2011.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2011] [Revised: 11/14/2011] [Accepted: 11/17/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Three new brain stimulation therapies have emerged in the last decade for clinical use in psychiatric disorders. Combined with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), these therapies offer much hope to patients with medication refractory depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and auditory hallucinations of schizophrenia. In this article we briefly review the history, development and evidence for each of the four stimulation therapies and describe the current state-of-the-art. Neuromodulation is considered as a possible common mechanism mediating the effects of these therapies. Finally, empirical guidelines are suggested for the practicing psychiatrist for the optimal utilization of stimulation therapies. It is concluded that with increasing technological sophistication, research on optimal protocols and emergence of newer modalities of stimulation, the future holds much promise for neuromodulatory therapies in psychiatric disorders.
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Connor DE, Nixon M, Nanda A, Guthikonda B. Vagal nerve stimulation for the treatment of medically refractory epilepsy: a review of the current literature. Neurosurg Focus 2012; 32:E12. [DOI: 10.3171/2011.12.focus11328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Object
The authors conducted a study to evaluate the published results of vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) for medically refractory seizures according to evidence-based criteria.
Methods
The authors performed a review of available literature published between 1980 and 2010. Inclusion criteria for articles included more than 10 patients evaluated, average follow-up of 1 or more years, inclusion of medically refractory epilepsy, and consistent preoperative surgical evaluation. Articles were divided into 4 classes of evidence according to criteria established by the American Academy of Neurology.
Results
A total of 70 publications were reviewed, of which 20 were selected for review based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. There were 2 articles that provided Class I evidence, 7 that met criteria for Class II evidence, and 11 that provided Class III evidence.
The majority of evidence supports VNS usage in partial epilepsy with a seizure reduction of 50% or more in the majority of cases and freedom from seizure in 6%–27% of patients who responded to stimulation. High stimulation with a gradual increase in VNS stimulation over the first 6 weeks to 3 months postoperatively is well supported by Class I and II data. Predictors of positive response included absence of bilateral interictal epileptiform activity and cortical malformations.
Conclusions
Vagal nerve stimulation is a safe and effective alternative for adult and pediatric populations with epilepsy refractory to medical and other surgical management.
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Schrader LM, Cook IA, Miller PR, Maremont ER, DeGiorgio CM. Trigeminal nerve stimulation in major depressive disorder: first proof of concept in an open pilot trial. Epilepsy Behav 2011; 22:475-8. [PMID: 21820361 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2011.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2011] [Revised: 06/16/2011] [Accepted: 06/17/2011] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Modulation of brain activity via trigeminal nerve stimulation is an emerging therapy in drug-resistant epilepsy. This cranial nerve also projects to structures implicated in depression (such as the nucleus tractus solitarius and locus coeruleus). We examined the effects of external trigeminal nerve stimulation in major depressive disorder as an adjunct to pharmacotherapy. Five adults (mean age 49.6, SD 10.9, three females and two males) participated in an 8-week open-label outpatient trial; all had persistent symptoms despite adequate pharmacotherapy, with a mean score on the 28-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale of 25.4 (SD=3.9) at entry. Nightly stimulation over the V(1) branch was well tolerated. Both the clinician-rated 28-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (P=0.006) and the self-rated Beck Depression Inventory (P=0.0004) detected significant symptomatic improvement. This novel neuromodulation approach may have use as an adjunct to pharmacotherapy in major depressive disorder. Additional larger trials are needed to delineate efficacy and tolerability with greater reliability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara M Schrader
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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40
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Abstract
Abstract
Neuromodulation strategies have been proposed to treat a variety of neurological disorders, including medication-resistant epilepsy. Electrical stimulation of both central and peripheral nervous systems has emerged as a possible alternative for patients who are not deemed to be good candidates for resective procedures. In addition to well-established treatments such as vagus nerve stimulation, epilepsy centers around the world are investigating the safety and efficacy of neurostimulation at different brain targets, including the hippocampus, thalamus, and subthalamic nucleus. Also promising are the preliminary results of responsive neuromodulation studies, which involve the delivery of stimulation to the brain in response to detected epileptiform or preepileptiform activity. In addition to electrical stimulation, novel therapeutic methods that may open new horizons in the management of epilepsy include transcranial magnetic stimulation, focal drug delivery, cellular transplantation, and gene therapy. We review the current strategies and future applications of neuromodulation in epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faisal A Al-Otaibi
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Neurosciences Department, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Clement Hamani
- Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto Western Research Institute, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andres M Lozano
- Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto Western Research Institute, Ontario, Canada
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Ay I, Sorensen AG, Ay H. Vagus nerve stimulation reduces infarct size in rat focal cerebral ischemia: an unlikely role for cerebral blood flow. Brain Res 2011; 1392:110-5. [PMID: 21458427 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2011.03.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2010] [Revised: 03/22/2011] [Accepted: 03/23/2011] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
We sought to investigate the effect of cervical vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) on cerebral blood flow (CBF), infarct volume, and clinical outcome in a model of middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats. Electrical stimulation of the right and left vagus nerves was initiated 30min after the induction of the right-sided ischemia and lasted for 1h. Infarct size measurement revealed that the volume of ischemic damage was 41-45% smaller in animals receiving stimulation as compared with control animals. Both the right and left VNS caused subtle reduction in CBF during each 30-s stimulation period that quickly returned back to the baseline level at the end of each stimulation cycle. There was no significant effect of VNS on CBF during the entire 1-h stimulation period. The effect of VNS on tissue outcome was associated with better neurological outcome at both 1- and 3-day time points after the induction of ischemia. These findings suggest that VNS-induced protection against acute ischemic brain injury is not primarily mediated by changes in CBF, stimulation of both the right and left nerve have comparable effects, and VNS is effective after ipsilateral and contralateral focal ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilknur Ay
- MGH/MIT/HMS A. A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital-East, 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA O2129, USA.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to test the hypothesis that sacral nerve stimulation affects afferent vagal projections to the central nervous system associated with frontal cortex activation in patients with fecal incontinence. PATIENTS Nine women and one man received temporary sacral nerve stimulation with permanent electrodes as a treatment for fecal incontinence. INTERVENTIONS We used positron emission tomography to record indices of regional cerebral blood flow before and after 30 minutes of continuous stimulation. We repeated this procedure after 2 weeks of continued stimulation, before and 30 minutes after arrest of the stimulation. RESULTS The initial stimulation activated a region of the contralateral frontal cortex that normally is active during focused attention. After 2 weeks of stimulation, this activation had been replaced by activity in parts of the ipsilateral caudate nucleus, a region of the brain thought to be specifically involved in learning and reward processing. CONCLUSIONS Sacral nerve stimulation induces changes in cerebral activity consistent with an effect on afferent projections of the vagus. The initial activation of the frontal cortex may reflect focused attention, whereas the subsequent activation of the caudate nucleus may reflect recruitment of mechanisms involved in learning and reward processing. These changes may contribute to the improved continence, which is an acquired result of the stimulation.
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Levy ML, Levy KM, Hoff D, Amar AP, Park MS, Conklin JM, Baird L, Apuzzo MLJ. Vagus nerve stimulation therapy in patients with autism spectrum disorder and intractable epilepsy: results from the vagus nerve stimulation therapy patient outcome registry. J Neurosurg Pediatr 2010; 5:595-602. [PMID: 20515333 DOI: 10.3171/2010.3.peds09153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECT The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy on quality-of-life (QOL) variables among patients with both autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and persistent or recurrent intractable epilepsy. METHODS Data were obtained from the VNS therapy patient outcome registry, which was established after US FDA approval of the VNS device in 1997 as a means of capturing open-label clinical data outside of protocol. The integrity of the systems for collecting and processing registry data was authenticated by an independent auditing agency. The effect of potential selection bias, however, remains uncertain. RESULTS Two cohorts were compared: 1) patients with epilepsy but without ASD (non-ASD [NASD] Group, 315 patients) who were being tracked in the registry (this cohort, which was controlled for age, included patients 20 years of age or younger); and 2) patients with a diagnosis of ASD who underwent implantation of the VNS device (ASD Group, 77 patients). Differences between the ASD and NASD groups were noted in the following categories: sex (male preponderance in ASD); normal imaging results (MR imaging results normal in ASD); depression (less common in ASD); behavioral problems (more common in ASD); neurological deficit (more common in ASD); mental retardation (more common in ASD); and developmental delay. The only QOL difference between the ASD and NASD groups was noted in mood at 12 months postimplant (mood was improved in ASD) (p = 0.04). There were no other differences in the QOL variables. CONCLUSIONS Patients with ASD and intractable epilepsy respond as favorably as all other patients receiving VNS therapy. In addition, they may experience a number of QOL improvements, some of which exceed those classically observed following placement of a VNS device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Levy
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital of San Diego, University of California, San Diego, California, USA.
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Jaseja H. EEG-desynchronization as the major mechanism of anti-epileptic action of vagal nerve stimulation in patients with intractable seizures: clinical neurophysiological evidence. Med Hypotheses 2010; 74:855-6. [PMID: 20005054 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2009.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2009] [Accepted: 11/22/2009] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) has emerged as an effective and acceptable alternative therapy for patients with intractable seizures. Despite its reported efficacy in several studies, the precise mechanism of its anti-epileptic action remains elusive and requires to be established. Based on neurophysiological alterations induced by VNS, it has been proposed earlier that a major mechanism of its anti-epileptic action could be EEG-desynchronization, which is known to be associated with increased resistance to seizures. This brief paper attempts to support the proposed mechanism with clinical neurophysiological evidence that has emerged in recent times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harinder Jaseja
- Physiology Department, G.R. Medical College, Gwalior, MP, India.
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Broggi G, Messina G, Franzini A. Cluster headache and TACs: rationale for central and peripheral neuromodulation. Neurol Sci 2009; 30 Suppl 1:S75-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s10072-009-0082-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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46
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Carpenter LL, Wyche MC, Friehs GM, O’Reardon JP. Electroconvulsive Therapy, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, and Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Depression. Neuromodulation 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-374248-3.00055-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Vonck K, De Herdt V, Bosman T, Dedeurwaerdere S, Van Laere K, Boon P. Thalamic and limbic involvement in the mechanism of action of vagus nerve stimulation, a SPECT study. Seizure 2008; 17:699-706. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2008.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2006] [Revised: 04/21/2008] [Accepted: 05/09/2008] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
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48
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Stimulation chronique du nerf vague dans le traitement del’épilepsie pharmacorésistante. Neurochirurgie 2008; 54:332-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuchi.2008.02.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2008] [Accepted: 02/26/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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49
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Affiliation(s)
- ME Lenaerts
- Department of Neurology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - KJ Oommen
- Department of Neurology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - JR Couch
- Department of Neurology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - V Skaggs
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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Oh SM, Park EY, Choi IS, Cho YK, Kim YO, Kim CJ, Woo YJ, Kim JH. Therapeutic Effects of Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Intractable Childhood Epilepsy: Experience for 12 Months after VNS Implantation. Chonnam Med J 2008. [DOI: 10.4068/cmj.2008.44.1.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Soo Min Oh
- Department of Pediatrics, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Eun Young Park
- Department of Pediatrics, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Ik Sun Choi
- Department of Pediatrics, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Young Kuk Cho
- Department of Pediatrics, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Young Ok Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Chan Jong Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Young Jong Woo
- Department of Pediatrics, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Jae Hyoo Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
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