Aggravation of seizures and status epilepticus after vagal nerve stimulation therapy: the first pediatric case and review of the literature

Abstract

Background: We describe the first child with drug-resistant epilepsy in whom vagus nerve stimulation aggravated seizures and emerged status epilepticus after the increase in vagal nerve stimulation current output. Objective: A 13-year-old girl presented with refractory secondary generalized focal epilepsy. Vagal nerve stimulator was implanted because of drug-resistant epilepsy. After the increase of vagal nerve stimulator current output to a relatively high level, the patient experienced seizure aggravation and status epilepticus. Conclusion: We conclude that vagus nerve stimulation may induce paradoxical seizures and may lead to status epilepticus, similarly to some antiepileptic drugs.