VNS versus DBS for drug-resistant epilepsy

Michael Hart, FRCS(SN), PhD, University of London & St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK, outlines the difference between vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) and deep brain stimulation (DBS) for drug-resistant epilepsy, highlighting the benefits of each technique. Dr Hart also discusses adaptive DBS, which changes the stimulation administered without needing external input from a specialist, improving seizure control. He also highlights that epilepsy is a highly heterogeneous disease, with significant variability in the patient experience. This means that neither VNS nor DBS is superior, and the pros and cons of each technique should be considered when managing a patient to ensure that the selected neuromodulatory device is the best fit for that specific patient. This interview took place at the 15th European Epilepsy Congress (EEC) 2024 in Rome, Italy.
These works are owned by Magdalen Medical Publishing (MMP) and are protected by copyright laws and treaties around the world. All rights are reserved.