VAGUS NERVE STIMULATION IMPLANTATION IN A PREGNANT PATIENT WITH DRUG-RESISTANT EPILEPSY: A CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Abstract

Abstract. 
Introduction. Drug-resistant  epilepsy  (DRE)  affects  approximately  30%  of  patients  and  poses significant  challenges  during  pregnancy  due  to  seizure-related  risks  and  antiepileptic  drug teratogenicity.
Objective. To report the first case in the Russian Federation of successful vagus nerve stimulator 
implantation 
patient 
with 
during 
in 
DRE.
pregnancy 
a 
Materials and Methods. A clinical case of a 28-year-old woman with an 11-year history of DRE who 
underwent       VNS       implantation 
is 
presented.
weeks 
gestation of 
at       18 
Results. Gradual activation of the stimulator resulted in complete seizure remission and transition to levetiracetam monotherapy. Pregnancy and delivery were uneventful, resulting in the birth of a healthy child.
Conclusion. VNS therapy represents a safe and effective adjunctive treatment option for DRE during pregnancy when resective surgery is not feasible.