Volume 66, Issue 4 pp. 440-444
INVITED REVIEW
Free Access

Neurostimulation for childhood epilepsy

Ann Mertens

Corresponding Author

Ann Mertens

Department of Neurology, 4Brain, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium

Correspondence

Ann Mertens, Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.

Email: [email protected]

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Paul Boon

Paul Boon

Department of Neurology, 4Brain, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium

Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands

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Kristl Vonck

Kristl Vonck

Department of Neurology, 4Brain, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium

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First published: 14 July 2023
Citations: 2

Abstract

The experience with neurostimulation for childhood epilepsy is far less extensive than for adults. Nevertheless, the implementation of these techniques could be of great value, especially considering the detrimental effects of ongoing seizures on the developing brain. In this review, we discuss the available evidence for neurostimulation for childhood epilepsy. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is the most studied neurostimulation modality in children. Based on mostly retrospective, open-label studies, we can conclude that VNS has a similar safety and efficacy profile in children compared to adults. Although there is little available evidence for deep brain stimulation (DBS) and responsive neurostimulation (RNS) in children, both DBS and RNS show promise in reducing seizure frequency with few complications. The implementation of non-invasive techniques with a more appealing safety profile has gained interest. Small randomized control trials and open-label studies have investigated transcranial direct current simulation for childhood epilepsy, demonstrating promising but inconsistent findings.

Graphical Abstract

The experience with neurostimulation for childhood epilepsy is far less extensive than for adults. Nevertheless, the implementation of these techniques could be of great value, especially considering the detrimental effects of ongoing seizures on the developing brain. In this review, we discuss the available evidence for neurostimulation for childhood epilepsy.

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

Data sharing not applicable to this article as no data sets were generated or analysed for this article

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