New Findings Regarding the Diagnosis and Management of Epilepsy

The 8th European Congress of Epileptology (ECE) was held in Berlin,Germany from September 21-25, 2008. This is one of the largest gatherings in the world of doctors focused on epilepsy, new epilepsy treatments and new research in the field of epilepsy. There were several main programs:

• Immune processes in epilepsy: basic and clinical issues
• Pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics in epilepsy
• Predicting the response to AEDs ( anti-epileptic drugs)
• Synaptopathies in epilepsy

Vagus nerve stimulation therapy was also discussed at this important Congress.

Dr. Paul Boon ( of Belgium) reported registry results showing that vagus nerve stimulation may be beneficial for treating generalized seizures. No details were provided in the registry on seizure syndromes; however, 50% had > 50% seizure reduction and 21% had > 90% reduction. The largest improvements in quality of life were increased alertness, decreased postictal impairment, decreases in seizure clusters, and improved mood.

These uncontrolled data are promising, although the natural course of epilepsy in these patients is uncertain in registry monitoring. The study shows, however, that vagus nerve stimulation provides a nonsedating alternative to additional AEDs for treating generalized seizures.