Abstracts

RATIONALE: To determine if left vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) improves social function and receptive speech in epileptic adults. VNS is used to control medically refractory seizures. Anecdotal reports of decreased depression and improvement in well being are associated with VNS. METHODS: 11 epileptic adult volunteers (6 female) were tested before, 4 and 8 months after VNS. Social function was measured by the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS). Receptive speech was measured by the Peobody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT). RESULTS: Nonparametric paired sign test for Daily Living Skills on the VABS showed significant improvement over time: Test 1 to Test 2 showed # diff > 0= 1, # diff < 0 = 9, and # diff = 0 = 1, p < .022; Test 1 to Test 3 showed # diff > 0 = 1, # diff < 0 = 8, and # diff = 0 = 1, p < .039 with one case omitted due to missing values. Four patients with the most frequent seizures (1-3/day) showed a reduction on the VABS Maladaptive Behavior Scale (mean rank 7.1 at Test 1, 4.7 at Test 2 and 4.2 at Test 3), with an overall 60% change. No change in receptive speech was found. CONCLUSIONS: Epileptic adults who receive VNS showed serial improvement in daily living skills. Patients with the highest frequency of seizures before VNS showed a decrease in maladaptive behavior. No change in receptive speech was found.