The Role of Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Epilepsy with Eyelid Myoclonia
Abstract number :
2.273
Submission category :
4. Clinical Epilepsy / 4C. Clinical Treatments
Year :
2025
Submission ID :
1077
Source :
www.aesnet.org
Presentation date :
12/7/2025 12:00:00 AM
Published date :
Authors :
Presenting Author: Isha Snehal, MBBS – Mayo Clinic
Brian Lundstrom, MD PhD – Mayo clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
Lily C. Wong-Kisiel, MD – Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
Jeffrey Britton, MD – Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN, USA.
Elaine Wirrell, MD – Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN, USA.
Kelsey M. Smith, MD – Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN, USA.
Rationale: Epilepsy with eyelid myoclonia (EEM) is an epilepsy syndrome characterized by eyelid myoclonia, eyelid closure induced EEG paroxysms or seizures, and photosensitivity. While many patients have drug-resistant epilepsy, the efficacy of neuromodulation has not been well studied. We evaluated the efficacy of Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) in patients with EEM through this study.
Methods: Among a database of 134 patients with EEM, we identified those treated with VNS. Charts were retrospectively reviewed to describe epilepsy history, VNS parameters, and response to VNS.
Results: We identified 12 patients who were treated with VNS, (6 females, 50%). The median age of epilepsy onset was 5 years (4-14 years) and median age at which VNS was implanted was 16 years (6-33 years). The median length of VNS treatment time was 13.5 years (range: 0-24 years). Four (33.3%) patients were responders who achieved >50% seizure reduction, including reduction of eyelid myoclonia and generalized tonic clonic seizures in the first year of therapy. Three additional patients perceived benefit but seizure reduction was < 50%.
Clinical Epilepsy