Preliminary Outcomes of Central Responsive Neurostimulation for Multifocal Epilepsy in Pediatric Patients.

Authors

Marian Michael Bercu, Corewell Health West
Kathryn E Spykman
Velisa M. Johnson, Corewell Health West
Angel W. Hernandez, Corewell Health West

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-2025

Publication Title

Pediatric Neurology

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) in the pediatric population is a challenging disease, with limited surgical interventions available. We report the preliminary outcomes for pediatric patients with multifocal DRE epilepsy treated with centromedian responsive neurostimulation.

METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted in 11 pediatric patients with multifocal epilepsy who were treated with bilateral responsive neurostimulation (RNS) of the centromedian nucleus. All patients were implanted with at least one RNS system; three patients had two RNS systems implanted, with additional leads targeting bilateral cortical or subcortical epileptogenic areas.

RESULTS: Ten out of the 11 patients (90%) treated with RNS (ages 5-20 years old, average 13.73 years old, median 14 years old) were found to have at least a 50% reduction in seizures using at least two modalities of data analysis. The average follow-up time was 1.33 years. Upon reviewing the data from the electronic medical records, 6 patients (55%) experienced a reduction in seizures of 75% or higher, 4 patients (36%) experienced a reduction in seizures between 50 and 74% and 1 patient (9%) was nonresponsive. At least 8 patients (72%) experienced subjective improvements in behavior, interactions, and/or academic performance. This was most pronounced in the subgroup of 4 patients diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Ninety percent of patients and families reported improvements in quality of life secondary to neurostimulation. No surgical or stimulation-related complications or side effects were encountered.

CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary outcomes suggest a robust response to central neurostimulation in pediatric patients suffering from multifocal DRE, with an excellent safety profile.

Volume

175

First Page

40

Last Page

49

Recommended Citation

Bercu MM, Spykman KE, Johnson VM, Hernandez AW. Preliminary outcomes of central responsive neurostimulation for multifocal epilepsy in pediatric patients. Pediatr Neurol. 2025;175:40-9. doi: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2025.10.026. PMID: 41270334.

Comments

Helen DeVos Children's Hospital,

DOI

10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2025.10.026

ISSN

1873-5150

PubMed ID

41270334