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Effect of Deep Brain Stimulation on the Severity of Seizures and the Quality of Life in Patients With Multifocal Drug-Resistant Epilepsy in Iran: A Pilot Review of Local Experience Publisher



Bahadori AR1 ; Javadnia P3 ; Davari A1, 4 ; Shafiee S5 ; Ranji S1 ; Sheikhvatan M6, 7 ; Tafakhori A1
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Iranian Center of Neurological Research, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  3. 3. Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  4. 4. Medical Colleges, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  5. 5. Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgeon, of Neurosurgery, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
  6. 6. Medical Biology and Genetics Department, Okan University, Istanbul, Turkey
  7. 7. Department of Neurology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany

Source: Epilepsy and Behavior Reports Published:2025


Abstract

This study investigates the impact of the anterior nucleus of the thalamus deep brain stimulation (ANT-DBS) on patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) in Iran, specifically focusing on its effects on seizure metrics, severity and its influence on quality of life over time. A cohort of eight patients with DRE in Iran who underwent ANT-DBS was evaluated. Pre-operative assessments included comprehensive documentation of seizure frequency, duration, severity scores, and the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory (QOLIE-13). Each patient also underwent high-resolution imaging using a 1.5 Tesla MRI, with targeted electrode placement in the anterior thalamic area. Post-operative evaluations measured changes in seizure frequency, severity scores, duration, and quality of life indicators. All subjects presented with DRE, and the mean age of participants was 24.62 years. Post-operative data revealed significantly reduced seizure frequency, duration, and severity scores. Notably, this reduction was more pronounced at the 6-month follow-up than the 3-month assessment, indicating a progressive therapeutic effect. All patients demonstrated a response to ANT-DBS, with two individuals achieving seizure freedom. Additionally, there was a marked improvement in quality of life, particularly in the domains of energy/fatigue and social functioning. ANT-DBS has been established as a promising and safe therapeutic intervention for patients with DRE. In a cohort of DRE patients in Iran, the treatment demonstrated comparable efficacy in decreasing seizure frequency and severity and enhancing self-reported quality of life, consistent with findings reported in the existing literature. The therapeutic benefits of ANT-DBS appear to augment over time. © 2025 The Authors
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