Tubbs, R: Glossopharyngeal Nerve Stimulation

To date, no detailed study has explored the potential for stimulation of cranial nerves other than the vagus nerve for medically intractable seizures. Medically intractable epilepsy causes significant morbidity and mortality. While several medical therapies for this disease have been developed, each can be associated with significant adverse effects. In the United States approximately 30,000 new cases of medically intractable epilepsy are diagnosed each year, and only 15% of these patients can be treated by neurosurgical procedures. Many patients have had success with stimulation of the vagus nerve. However, some patients do not respond to vagus nerve stimulation. The hypothesis tested in the following four studies is that glossopharyngeal nerve stimulation can provide adequate seizure control with fewer adverse results. The results of this study may elucidate both the effectiveness and underlying mechanisms by which glossopharyngeal nerve stimulation leads to blunting of seizure activity. Thus, this study lays the groundwork for development of a potentially effective method to treat many patients who currently lack effective antiseizure therapy.