ANTIEPILEPTIC DRUG WITHDRAWAL AFTER VNS IMPLANTATION
Abstract number :
2.406
Submission category :
Year :
2004
Submission ID :
4855
Source :
www.aesnet.org
Presentation date :
12/2/2004 12:00:00 AM
Published date :
Dec 1, 2004, 06:00 AM
Authors :
Jennifer M. Burgos, George L. Morris, Christopher M. Inglese, Pamela L. Smith, and Susan K. Loveless
To determine how often antiepileptic drugs can be decreased after VNS implantation. We reviewed all clinic records of VNS implants at the Regional Epilepsy Center between November 2001 - April 2004. The demographic information included age, gender, seizure type, number of AEDs at time of implant, seizure frequency at time of implant, and seizure reduction after implant. The results were recorded. We evaluated the number of AEDs at time of implant and whether the AEDs could be decreased, increased, or no change. 88 patient charts were reviewed. From those charts we excluded the following patients: 1 explanted VNS, 2 VNS turned off, 8 charts with incomplete data, and 5 research patients. Ages ranged from 8-82 years and there were 40 males and 44 females. See Table for results of AED changes post-VNS implantation.[table1] We conclude many patients can successfully decrease their seizure medications after VNS implantation. Early decreases were possible in the majority of patients evaluated. (Supported by Aurora Health Care)