Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) in the Treatment of Resistant Depressive Disorder - One-year experiences
Abstract
Background: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a biological therapeutic method based on intermittent electrical stimulation of the left vagus nerve. While a recent, double-blind study did not yield evidence of efficacy in acute (10 weeks) treatment of resistant depression, 2 open one-year trials showed good tolerability and potential benefit in the treatment of resistant patients.
Case report: Method: We present a case-report of 51-year old male treated with VNS. The patient has been treated for depressive disorder for the past 30 years.
He had a history of 2 unsuccessful antidepressant treatment trials of index episode. The pulse generator (VNS Therapy, model 101) was implanted at the Neurosurgical Dept. of Central Military Hospital Prague in December 2004.
The generator was switched on 2 weeks after the implantation; parameters of stimulation were titrated according to tolerability and clinical response. Symptoms of depression overall clinical status were assessed using the Montgomery-Asberg Depressi