What Should We Expect for Real-World Outcomes of Deep Brain Stimulation of the Anterior Nucleus of the Thalamus for Epilepsy?

Neurostimulation offers a non-curative approach to treat patients with medication-resistant seizures. In the past 15 years, 2 large, well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) led to the US Food and Drug Administration approval for responsive neurostimulation(1) and deep brain stimulation of the anterior nucleus of the thalamus (DBS-ANT).(2) These patient cohorts continue to be carefully studied over time,(3,4) for example, showing median seizure reductions that improved from approximately 40%-45% at 1 year to approximately 50%-55% at 2 years and approximately 60%-65% at 5 years. Meta-analyses(5) and retrospective results(6) from real-world experiences have shown similar or even improved seizure reduction.