Abstract
This dissertation aims to gain more insight into the effects of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in children with hard-to-treat epilepsy. VNS appears to be both a tolerable and safe form of treatment.
Predictors of a favourable outcome with VNS therapy were missing at the time of this study, but research has revealed that lower baseline plasma levels of interleukin-6 is associated with a greater reduction in seizure frequency with VNS. This therefore appears to be a favourable prognostic factor. The effect of VNS on epileptic seizures could be partly explained by the way VNS influences the degradation of tryptophan, a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, among other things. An improvement in mood was especially seen after a prolonged period of therapeutic stimulation, independent of improved seizure control. Finally, VNS was not found to have a negative effect on behaviour or cognition.
Predictors of a favourable outcome with VNS therapy were missing at the time of this study, but research has revealed that lower baseline plasma levels of interleukin-6 is associated with a greater reduction in seizure frequency with VNS. This therefore appears to be a favourable prognostic factor. The effect of VNS on epileptic seizures could be partly explained by the way VNS influences the degradation of tryptophan, a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, among other things. An improvement in mood was especially seen after a prolonged period of therapeutic stimulation, independent of improved seizure control. Finally, VNS was not found to have a negative effect on behaviour or cognition.
Original language | English |
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Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy |
Awarding Institution |
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Supervisors/Advisors |
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Award date | 6 Feb 2015 |
Place of Publication | Maastricht |
Publisher | |
Print ISBNs | 9789461593962 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2015 |
Keywords
- epilepsy
- treatment
- VNS