NYMC Faculty Publications

Responsive Neurostimulation of the Frontal Lobe for the Detection and Treatment of Seizures in Intractable Epilepsy Due to Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: Illustrative Case

Author Type(s)

Faculty, Student

DOI

10.3171/CASE23411

Journal Title

Journal of Neurosurgery Case Lessons

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-1-2024

Department

Pediatrics

Second Department

Neurology

Third Department

Neurosurgery

Keywords

epilepsy, neuromodulation, responsive neurostimulation, RNS, tuberous sclerosis complex

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

BACKGROUND Responsive neurostimulation (RNS) is often considered to be a palliative therapy for drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) and is generally not considered to be a treatment for patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Here, the authors present the case of a 24-year-old male with TSC who obtained seizure freedom following RNS device implantation. OBSERVATIONS Prior to RNS device implantation, the patient underwent tuberectomies, subependymal giant cell astrocytoma resection, vagus nerve stimulator placement, and left frontal lobe resection but continued to have frequent seizures. An RNS device was implanted, which initially led to a decrease in seizures, but he continued to have 12 seizures per month. He then underwent lead revision for stimulation via a different electrode. After that lead change, he had no seizures for almost 3 years. In the following 3 years, he had two episodes of breakthrough seizures, both of which occurred with medication weans. Although the patient still requires antiseizure medication, he has had years of seizure freedom with RNS therapy. LESSONS This study exhibits the potential effectiveness of RNS therapy for patients with TSC and DRE. RNS should be considered for patients with TSC when other therapies have not sufficiently treated their epilepsy.

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