layout: strict-home-rr title: “Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology”
by Piotr W. Olejniczak, John D. England, and Michael E. Carey, Departments
of Neurology and Neurosurgery at the Louisiana State University Medical Center
in New Orleans
</i>
Abstract: Although vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) can reduce clinical seizure frequency, human EEG studies using scalp recordings have failed to demonstrate an effect of VNS on either interictal epileptiform or background activity. The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of VNS on intracranially recorded EEG activity in humans. We report a patient with a vagus nerve stimulator who was subsequently admitted for implantation of subdural electrodes for video/EEG analysis in preparation for epilepsy surgery. The EEG background power spectra recorded from a left intracranial occipital contact were smaller with the VNS device "on" compared to when the device was "off". Despite these changes in EEG background, VNS did not prevent or alter the course of electrographic seizures.
Keywords: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) - intracranial electrodes - seizures - EEG background activity - power spectra.
The Effects of Vagus Nerve Stimulation Upon
EEG as Recorded from Occipital Subdural Electrodes in a Human Case
by
Piotr W. Olejniczak, John D. England, and Michael E. Carey, Departments
of Neurology and Neurosurgery at the Louisiana State University Medical Center
in New Orleans
posted 10 May 2001
This is very interesting paper definitely worthwhile publishing. It is my impression, however, that this should be viewed as a very preliminary study. It would be very interesting to continue the study initiated in this paper by using more sophisticated mathematical tools. In particular using the methods of non-linear analysis and topological dynamics could lead to a new insight into the effectiveness of the VNS when treating the epilepsy.Slawomir Kwasik, Department of Mathematics, Tulane University, New Orleans, e-mail: kwasik@math.tulane.edu
posted 12 March 2001
I have read the article, "The Effects of Vagus Nerve Stimulation...", which I found very interesting. The mechanism of action of VNS remains a mystery and any information that better allows us to understand how it works is important. I wondered as I read it if similar changes in the power spectra were seen in areas other than the occiput. I believe this work merits publication in your journal.jnichol@tulane.edu
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