Evaluation of refractory epilepsy treated with vagus nerve stimulation forup to 5 years

We assessed the long-term efficacy of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in 64 r efractory epilepsy patients. After implantation, intermittent stimulation w as delivered and seizure frequency and severity were counted. Average treat ment time was 20 months. Nineteen of 47 patients with partial seizures, fiv e of nine patients with idiopathic generalized seizures, and five of eight patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome had >50% seizure reduction. Side effe cts were mild. VNS is a safe and effective treatment for refractory epileps y.