Vagal Nerve Stimulation as Therapy for Drug-Resistant Epilepsy: A Tertiary Hospital Experience of Outcomes and Efficacy in King Abdullah Medical City

Objective: To determine the efficacy and safety of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for reducing the frequency of seizures and complications in drug-resistant epilepsy. Methods: This was a retrospective case series study conducted in King Abdullah Medical City from January 2015 to December 2021 hospital record. All patients undergoing VNS were enrolled according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were followed up for 12 months, and the seizure frequency and number of epileptic drugs used were evaluated. A paired sample t-test was applied to compare the outcome variables considering p-value < 0.05 as significant. Results: Among 9 enrolled patients, four were females, and five were males. The mean age of the patients was 23.9 ± 10.8 years. The average number\12pt of drugs used before VNS was 3, while it was 2 after VNS. However, a statistically significant (p = 0.08) reduction was not achieved. The mean seizure frequency before and after VNS was 14.4 ± 4.0 and 2.2 ± 3.2 at the 12-month follow-up visit (p < 0.05). The seizure frequency was statistically significantly reduced since the p-value was less than 0.05. No significant complications or death were observed. Conclusion: The VNS is a safe and effective adjuvant therapy for reducing the frequency of seizures in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.