Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has shown to be an effective treatment for drug resistant epilepsy in numerous patients. However, long-term studies showed that a good response (>50% seizure reduction) is only achieved in 20 to 55% of the patients [1–3], which means that a substantial number of patients only show moderate or even no response to VNS treatment. Determining the success of VNS is important to counsel patients and give them information about the expected seizure reduction. Potential responders might not need to try other kinds of therapy before they receive an effective VNS system and on the other hand, a low likelihood to respond could prevent someone from undergoing surgery and having an expensive VNS system implanted while only minimal effects will be obtained.
ABR