Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus as adjunct treatment for refractory epilepsy

Abstract

Purpose: We studied the efficacy and safety of bilateral subthalamic deep brain stimulation (DBS) for refractory partial-onset epilepsy in two cases.

Methods: This was an open treatment pilot study for subjects who had failed numerous medications and had seizure injuries. Seizure counts and adverse events were collected during a 3-4 month baseline, and for 26-32 months after DBS surgery, with AEDs held constant.

Results: Case 1, age 45, with bitemporal seizures, had about half the seizure frequency but still fell with injuries. Case 2, age 46, with left frontal encephalomalacia, had a frequency reduction of about one-third, but a more meaningful reduction of seizure severity and injuries.

Conclusions: Subthalamic DBS partly reduced partial-onset seizures, but the quality of life was more affected by seizure-related injuries.