Deep brain stimulation of the centromedian nucleus for drug-resistant epilepsy in children: Quality-of-life and functional outcomes from the CHILD-DBS registry

Objective: Deep brain stimulation of the centromedian nucleus of the thalamus (CM-DBS) is an investigational, off-label treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) in children. Although emerging evidence supports its safety and efficacy for select indications, the effect of CM-DBS on quality of life and functional outcomes such as school attendance has not been studied. Here, we analyzed data from the prospective CHILD-DBS (Child & Youth Comprehensive Longitudinal Database for Deep Brain Stimulation) to examine the impact of CM-DBS on patient- and caregiver-reported outcomes. Methods: Twenty-two children and youth underwent bilateral CM-DBS. Caregiver–child dyads completed surveys related to seizure frequency, seizure severity, quality of life, and school attendance at baseline, 6 months, and 1 year postsurgery. Simulated volumes of tissue activation were analyzed to identify optimal stimulation targets associated with treatment outcome. Results: Of 22 children, 10 experienced ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency (mean reduction = 66.7 ± 17.3%), one exhibited a modest benefit (37.5% reduction), and the remaining 11 experienced no change. The majority (73% of patients) exhibited a clinically important reduction in seizure severity, including six children who did not demonstrate any change in seizure frequency. Only those who experienced a reduction in seizure frequency demonstrated significant improvements in general health and overall quality of life. Furthermore, we observed an increase in school attendance across participants 1 year after CM-DBS. Significance: CM-DBS can lead to reduction in seizure burden concurrent with improvements in quality of life and relevant functional outcomes in children with DRE. These findings further our understanding of the impact of CM-DBS on meaningful outcomes for children and caregivers.