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

Neurostimulation Techniques for the Treatment of Epilepsy

Nicholas J. Rosculet
1   Division of Pediatric Neurology, Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
,
Carl E. Stafstrom
1   Division of Pediatric Neurology, Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

08 August 2016

23 October 2016

Publication Date:
02 March 2017 (online)

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Abstract

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