Vagus nerve stimulation in children with mitochondrial electron transport chain deficiencies

Mitochondrion. 2007 Jul;7(4):279-83. doi: 10.1016/j.mito.2007.04.003. Epub 2007 Apr 25.

Abstract

We retrospectively investigated outcome data for vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in children less than 12 years of age with intractable seizures and mitochondrial disease. Five children with a mitochondrial disease, due to electron transport chain deficiency, were studied. Information was collected from clinic visits prior to, and subsequent to, VNS implantation. Data were collected by type and frequency of seizures, encephalogram and neuroimaging findings, and medication history. Four of the children had predominantly myoclonic seizures, while the other child had focal seizures with secondary generalization and myoclonic seizures. All five children did not have significant reduction in seizure frequency with VNS. VNS may not be an effective method to control myoclonic seizures in children with electron transport chain disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Epilepsy / pathology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Mitochondrial Diseases / pathology*
  • Vagus Nerve*