Balance and cognitive impairment in two epileptic patients before and after vagal nerve stimulation.

Balance and cognition were assessed in two patients with uncontrolled complex partial seizures. The patients were on anticonvulsant medications and were treated with left vagal stimulation. Balance and cognition were assessed before and after vagal stimulation, and the results were compared with age matched controls and older patients with Parkinson's disease. Severe impairments of function were found in the epileptic patients, and such negative effects of medication make vagal stimulation a potentially practical alternative treatment for uncontrolled epilepsy.