Do you have patients who:
1. Have uncontrolled seizures
despite 2 adequate AED trials?
More than one third of patients are resistant to the therapeutic
effects of AEDs.1 VNS Therapy™ may be a good option
for these patients.
2. Experience compromised
quality of life due to uncontrolled seizures and/or AED side effects?
Uncontrolled seizures and/or AED side effects can impact socialization,
mood, family life, and progress at work or school.2,3
3. Discontinue or switch
therapies frequently?
Approximately 75% of AED patients discontinue therapy.4
4. Experience negative side
effects associated with their treatment?
AEDs can precipitate many side effects, which some patients
may find intolerable. 5 AED side effects can include
cognitive impairment, rash, sedation, dizziness, and weight change;
these effects may impact quality of life and daily activities. VNS
Therapy offers a unique side effect profile that is generally devoid
of central nervous system side effects.
5. Are not candidates for
intracranial surgery?
Patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy who are not candidates
for intracranial surgery or who are reluctant to have intracranial
surgery may be viable candidates for VNS Therapy.
If the answer to any of these questions is “yes,”
you may have patients who could benefit from VNS Therapy.
1Kwan P, Brodie MJ. N
Engl J Med. 2000;342:314-319.
2The Roper Organization, Inc. Living with Epilepsy: Report
of a Roper Poll of Patients on Quality of Life;1992.
3Quality of Life in Epilepsy Survey. The Melior Group;
2002.
4Lhatoo SD, et al. Epilepsia. 2000;41:1592-1596.
5Mattson RH. Epilepsy Res. 2001;45:109-117
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