The effectiveness of vagus nerve stimulation after failed surgical treatment of pharmacoresistant epilepsy

Abstract

According to the WHO, about 50 million people in the world suffer from epilepsy, while 20–40 % are resistant to antiepileptic drugs and need alternative treatment methods. The arsenal of neurosurgeons includes a wide range of operations that have proven effectiveness in the fight against pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Such a promising type of treatment as vagus nerve stimulation can be used both with contraindicated resection surgery and after it. Currently, the field of VNS therapy continues to be explored, including the efficiency and rationality of its use.