Purpose: In individuals with a comorbid autistic spectrum disorder and medically refractory epilepsy, vagus nerve stimulation may offer the potential of seizure control and a positive behavioral side effect profile. We aimed to examine the behavioral side effect profile using longitudinal and quantitative data and review the potential mechanisms behind behavioral changes.
Methods: We present a case report of a 10-year-old boy with autistic spectrum disorder and epilepsy, who underwent vagus nerve stimulation subsequent to unsuccessful treatment with antiepileptic medication.
Results: Following vagus nerve stimulation implantation, initial, if temporary, improvement was observed in seizure control. Modest improvements were also observed in behavior and development, improvements which were observed independent of seizure control.
Conclusions: Vagus nerve stimulation in autistic spectrum disorder is associated with modest behavioral improvement, with unidentified etiology, although several candidates for this improvement are evident.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00381-015-2720-8 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Role of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in alleviation of tinnitus in normal hearing subjects.
Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol
January 2025
Audio-vestibular Medicine unit, department of Ear, Nose and throat, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.
Background: Subjective tinnitus is characterized by perception of sound in the absence of any external or internal acoustic stimuli. Many approaches have been developed over the years to treat tinnitus (medical and nonmedical). However, no consensus has been reached on the optimal therapeutic approach.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFStimulate to Remember? The Effects of Short Burst of Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) on Memory Performance and Pupil Dilation.
Psychophysiology
January 2025
Institute of Cognitive Neurology and Dementia Research, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.
The decline in noradrenergic (NE) locus coeruleus (LC) function in aging is thought to be implicated in episodic memory decline. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), which supports LC function, might serve to preserve or improve memory function in aging. However, taVNS effects are generally very heterogeneous, and it is currently unclear whether taVNS has an effect on memory.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNoninvasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation Protects Neurons in the Perihematomal Region and Improves the Outcomes in a Rat Model of Intracerebral Hemorrhage.
Neurocrit Care
January 2025
Department of Neurology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
Background: Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating stroke subtype with a high rate of mortality and disability. Therapeutic options available are primarily limited to supportive care and blood pressure control, whereas the surgical approach remains controversial. In this study, we explored the effects of noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) on hematoma volume and outcome in a rat model of collagenase-induced ICH.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCorrection to: Influence of a 2‑week transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on memory: findings from a randomized placebo controlled trial in non‑clinical adults.
Clin Auton Res
January 2025
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Syllabova 19, Ostrava, 703 00, Czech Republic.
Significant reduction of seizure frequency in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy by vagus nerve stimulation: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
Epilepsy Res
January 2025
Consultant Neurologist, Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Hospital, Chennai, India.
Background: Epilepsy is a major neurological disorder, typically managed with Anti-Seizure Medication (ASM). Nevertheless, a substantial 30 % of patients did not respond satisfactorily to ASMs, classifying their condition as Drug-Resistant Epilepsy (DRE). Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) was recommended as a potential solution.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!