Left vagal nerve stimulation in six patients with hypothalamic hamartomas.

Six patients with medically refractory epilepsy secondary to hypothalamic hamartomas were treated with intermittent stimulation of the left vagal nerve. Three of the patients had remarkable improvements in seizure control. Four of these six patients had severe autistic behaviors. Striking improvements in these behaviors were observed in all four during treatment with intermittent stimulation. This finding suggests that vagal nerve stimulation can control seizures and autistic behaviors in patients with hypothalamic hamartomas.