[Vagus nerve stimulation for partial seizures].
Cerebellar and thalamic stimulation has been known for many years to improve control of epileptic seizures. In the past few years electrical vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been introduced and has been effective in controlling seizures in animal models. These encouraging results led to the development of a transcutaneous programmable pulse generator and electrode lead for human use. 2 pilot studies and a multicenter, prospectively-randomized, parallel, double-blind study of patients with refractory partial seizures were performed. In a 3-22 month follow-up, in about 50% of patients seizures were reduced by 30-50%. There were no significant complications of the implant. Side-effects associated with VNS included intermittent hoarseness, coughing and throat pain. Additional controlled clinical trials with many patients and long follow-up are needed. We report 2 patients, the first in Israel, who underwent VNS.