PURPOSE: Memory plays an essential role in daily life and is one of the first functions to deteriorate in cognitive impairment and dementia. Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is a promising therapeutic method; however, its ability to enhance memory is underexplored, especially considering long-term stimulation. We aimed to investigate the effect of a 2-week course of auricular tVNS (taVNS) on memory in a non-clinical population. METHODS: This single-blind randomized placebo-wait-list controlled trial recruited 76 participants (30 men; mean age 48.32 years) and randomized them into four groups: early active/sham taVNS and late active/sham taVNS. Participation in the study lasted 4 weeks; early groups underwent 2 weeks intervention immediately following the first study site visit (days 0-13) and late groups 2 weeks after the first study site visit (days 14-27). Active and sham taVNS included 2 weeks of daily 4-h neurostimulation at the tragus or earlobe, respectively. To assess memory, we used the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test. RESULTS: Two weeks of active taVNS, but not sham taVNS, improved immediate recall and short-term memory score both in early and late groups. Furthermore, the improvements persisted over subsequent follow-up in early active taVNS. Importantly, the effect of active taVNS was superior to sham for immediate recall in both early and late groups. There were no statistical differences in delayed recall. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that taVNS has potential to improve memory, particularly immediate recall, and may be an effective method in preventing memory loss and mitigating cognitive aging.
- MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- jednoduchá slepá metoda MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- paměť * fyziologie MeSH
- transkutánní elektrická neurostimulace * metody MeSH
- vagová stimulace * metody MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- randomizované kontrolované studie MeSH
- MeSH
- diagnostické techniky neurologické MeSH
- epilepsie * chirurgie MeSH
- hemisferektomie metody MeSH
- hluboká mozková stimulace metody MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- neurochirurgické výkony * metody MeSH
- přední temporální lobektomie metody MeSH
- refrakterní epilepsie chirurgie MeSH
- stereotaktické techniky MeSH
- vagová stimulace metody MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- přehledy MeSH
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a therapeutic option in drug-resistant epilepsy. VNS leads to ≥ 50% seizure reduction in 50 to 60% of patients, termed "responders". The remaining 40 to 50% of patients, "non-responders", exhibit seizure reduction < 50%. Our work aims to differentiate between these two patient groups in preimplantation EEG analysis by employing several Entropy methods. We identified 59 drug-resistant epilepsy patients treated with VNS. We established their response to VNS in terms of responders and non-responders. A preimplantation EEG with eyes open/closed, photic stimulation, and hyperventilation was found for each patient. The EEG was segmented into eight time intervals within four standard frequency bands. In all, 32 EEG segments were obtained. Seven Entropy methods were calculated for all segments. Subsequently, VNS responders and non-responders were compared using individual Entropy methods. VNS responders and non-responders differed significantly in all Entropy methods except Approximate Entropy. Spectral Entropy revealed the highest number of EEG segments differentiating between responders and non-responders. The most useful frequency band distinguishing responders and non-responders was the alpha frequency, and the most helpful time interval was hyperventilation and rest 4 (the end of EEG recording).
PURPOSE: A retrospective study, based on a prospectively built database, presents the results of long-term follow-up care of pediatric vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) patients in terms of seizure outcome, surgical aspects, the potential impact of maturation, and medication changes. METHODS: From a prospectively built database, 16 VNS patients (median age 12.0 years, range 6.0 to 16.0 years; median seizure duration 6.5 years, range 2.0 to 15.5 years) followed for at least 10 years were graded as non-responder - NR (seizure frequency reduction < 50%), responder - R (reduction ≥ 50% and < 80%), and 80% responder - 80R (reduction ≥ 80%). Data about surgical aspects (battery replacement, system complications), seizure dynamics, and medication changes were taken from the database. RESULTS: The early percentages of good results (80R + R) were 43.8% (year 1), 50.0% (year 2), and 43.8% (year 3). These percentages remained stable between years 10 and 12 (50% year 10; 46.7% year 11; 50% year 12) and increased in years 16 (60%) and 17 (75%). Depleted batteries were replaced in ten patients, six of whom were either R or 80R. In the four NR, the indication for replacement was improved quality of life. Three patients had VNS explanted or switched off-one had repeated asystolia and two were NR. The effect of hormonal changes in menarche on seizure was not proven. During the study, antiseizure medication was changed in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: The study proved the efficacy and safety of VNS in pediatric patients over an exceptionally long follow-up period. The demand for battery replacements indicates a positive treatment effect.
- MeSH
- dítě MeSH
- epilepsie * farmakoterapie MeSH
- kvalita života MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladiství MeSH
- následné studie MeSH
- retrospektivní studie MeSH
- vagová stimulace * metody MeSH
- výsledek terapie MeSH
- záchvaty MeSH
- Check Tag
- dítě MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladiství MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Nefarmakologické terapeutické metody v neuropsychiatrii představují biologické postupy (invazivní a neinvazivní stimulace struktur centrálního nervového systému), psychoterapie a psychoedukace. Spektrum jimi léčených nemocí je poměrně široké a lze očekávat, že s rozvojem poznání v oblasti neurověd a s lepší dostupností těchto metod jejich použití pravděpodobně poroste.
Non-pharmacological methods in neuropsychiatry include biological approaches (invasive and noninvasive stimulation of central nerve system structures), psychotherapy and psychoeducation. Range of diseases treated by non-pharmacological methods is wide and with improvements of accessibility the use of these methods will probably grow.
Nefarmakologické terapeutické metody v neuropsychiatrii představují biologické postupy (invazivní a neinvazivní stimulace struktur centrálního nervového systému), psychoterapie a psychoedukace. Spektrum jimi léčených nemocí je poměrně široké a lze očekávat, že s rozvojem poznání v oblasti neurověd a s lepší dostupností těchto metod jejich použití pravděpodobně poroste.
Non-pharmacological methods in neuropsychiatry include biological approaches (invasive and noninvasive stimulation of central nerve system structures), psychotherapy and psychoeducation. Range of diseases treated by non-pharmacological methods is wide and with improvements of accessibility the use of these methods will probably grow.
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been employed worldwide as an adjunctive therapy in drug-resistant epilepsy patients. However, the mechanisms of VNS action potentially increase the risk of obstetric complications. The study presents the long-term single-center experience with pregnancies and childbirth in women with VNS for refractory epilepsy based on prospectively collected epileptologic data and a retrospective analysis of pregnancy, childbirth, and data about long-term child development. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From a group of patients with VNS implanted for refractory epilepsy between October 1999 and January 2018, all the women of childbearing age (younger than 40 years) were identified. After checking their hospital records for data about any pregnancies, the women with confirmed childbirth during active VNS stimulation and their general practitioners were interviewed based on a prepared questionnaire regarding their gynecologic history, the course of pregnancy and childbirth, gestational week, birth weight and length, any congenital anomalies of the child, and the child's psychomotor development, school performance, and somatic health problems. RESULTS: From the group of 257 patients implanted with VNS for refractory epilepsy, 4 women (1.5%) became pregnant and gave birth (all on polypharmacotherapy). The mean interval from VNS implantation to birth was 44.3 months. Slight seizure worsening during the last trimester was reported in one woman. In one patient, acute caesarean section was required due to placental separation. Planned birth induction and caesarean section were used in the other two women because of their seizure disorder. No malfunction of the stimulation system was detected during pregnancy or after birth. No congenital malformations were observed. The two children who were of school age at the time of this study require special schooling. CONCLUSIONS: The study results confirmed a high rate of obstetric interventions in patients with VNS. Although no teratogenic effect of VNS has been proven, the higher incidence of children exposed to VNS needing special education requires attention.
- MeSH
- císařský řez MeSH
- dítě MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- placenta MeSH
- refrakterní epilepsie * terapie MeSH
- retrospektivní studie MeSH
- těhotenství MeSH
- vagová stimulace * škodlivé účinky metody MeSH
- výsledek těhotenství MeSH
- výsledek terapie MeSH
- Check Tag
- dítě MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- těhotenství MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- MeSH
- duševní poruchy terapie MeSH
- elektroencefalografie metody MeSH
- elektrokonvulzívní terapie metody MeSH
- fototerapie metody MeSH
- konvulzivní terapie metody MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- přímá transkraniální stimulace mozku metody MeSH
- psychochirurgie metody MeSH
- somatické terapie v psychiatrii * metody MeSH
- spánková deprivace MeSH
- vagová stimulace metody MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- přehledy MeSH
Úvod: Stimulace vagového nervu je paliativní výkon u farmakorezistentní epilepsie ke snížení frekvence a intenzity záchvatů. Při implantaci vagového stimulátoru se umístí elektroda na krční úsek levého vagového nervu a generátor stimulátoru do podkožní kapsy, nejčastěji v podklíčkové oblasti. Metody: Od března 1998 do listopadu 2019 jsme na Neurochirurgické klinice dětí a dospělých 2. LF UK a FN Motol provedli 196 operací spojených s vagovou stimulací. Z toho 126 operací byla levostranná primoimplantace vagového stimulátoru pro farmakorezistentní epilepsii. V našem souboru bylo 69 žen a 57 mužů s průměrným věkem 22±12,4 roku. Nejmladšímu pacientovi bylo 2,1 roku a nejstaršímu bylo 58,4 roku. Výsledky: V našem souboru jsme zaznamenali komplikace u 9 pacientů (7,1 %). Pooperační infekce se vyskytla u dvou pacientů (1,6 %), poruchy srdečního rytmu se objevily ve dvou případech (1,6 %), u jednoho pacienta došlo peroperačně k významnému krvácení (0,8 %). U tří pacientů se objevila paréza zvratného nervu (2,4 %) a u jednoho z těchto pacientů se souběžně projevila pooperačně těžká dysfagie (0,8 %). U jednoho pacienta (0,8 %) při extrastimulaci magnetem docházelo k výrazné déletrvající křeči v hrdle. Extra přidaným benefitem vagové stimulace u jedné pacientky bylo výrazné snížení pravidelných krutých bolestí hlavy. Závěr: Stimulace vagového nervu je možnou alternativou pro pacienty s farmakorezistentní epilepsií, u kterých není vhodná resekční operace. Implantace vagového stimulátoru je poměrně bezpečná operační technika.
Introduction: Vagus nerve stimulation is a palliative treatment for patients with refractory epilepsy to reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures. A bipolar helical electrode is placed around the left vagus nerve at the cervical level and is connected to the pulse generator placed in a subcutaneous pocket, most commonly in the subclavian region. Methods: Between March 1998 and October 2019, we performed 196 procedures related to the vagal nerve stimulation at the Neurosurgery Department in Motol University Hospital. Of these, 126 patients were vagal nerve stimulator implantation surgeries for intractable epilepsy. The cases included 69 female and 57 male patients with mean age at the time of the implantation surgery 22±12.4 years (range 2.1−58.4 years). Results: Nine patients (7.1%) were afflicted by complications related to implantation. Surgical complications included postoperative infection in 1.6%, VNS-associated arrhythmias in 1.6%, jugular vein bleeding in 0.8% and vocal cord paresis in 2.4%. One patient with vocal cord palsy also suffered from severe dysphagia. One patient (0.8%) did not tolerate extra stimulation with magnet due to a prolonged spasm in his throat. The extra added benefit of vagus stimulation in one patient was a significant reduction of previously regular severe headaches. Conclusion: Vagus nerve stimulation is an appropriate treatment for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy who are not candidates for focal resective surgery. Implantation of the vagus nerve stimulator is a relatively safe operative procedure.
- Klíčová slova
- epileptochirurgie,
- MeSH
- elektrická stimulace metody MeSH
- epilepsie * chirurgie MeSH
- klinická studie jako téma MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- vagová stimulace * metody MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- MeSH
- antikonvulziva aplikace a dávkování MeSH
- dítě MeSH
- Lennoxův-Gastautův syndrom chirurgie diagnóza farmakoterapie patologie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- neúspěšná terapie MeSH
- poruchy řeči etiologie MeSH
- progrese nemoci MeSH
- refrakterní epilepsie chirurgie diagnóza farmakoterapie patologie MeSH
- vagová stimulace * metody přístrojové vybavení škodlivé účinky MeSH
- výsledek terapie MeSH
- záchvaty farmakoterapie patologie MeSH
- Check Tag
- dítě MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- kazuistiky MeSH
