Zainah Al-Qahtani, Nawaf Najeh Almahfuth, Abdullah Abdulaziz Aldhabaan, Kouther Mutlaq Omar Alhudires, Noha Tashkandi
Archives of Epilepsy - 2025;31(4):134-141
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate neurologists' opinions on vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy for managing all forms of epilepsy in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional survey study was conducted across all five main regions of Saudi Arabia, using a structured questionnaire, and data were collected from a randomly selected sample of neurologists, with a final sample size of 229 participants. The study questionnaire was validated through a pilot study. Results: A total of 112 Saudi neurologists were included in this study. Approximately 67.86% of neurologists reported the availability of VNS procedures at their practice, with 82.14% indicating patients undergo VNS implantation at epilepsy centers, and return for follow-up. Initial training in neurostimulation was rated excellent by 52.68%; but 10.71% reported it as poor. Clinical assessments were the most commonly used diagnostic tool (43.75%), and VNS was the primary technique for early epilepsy treatment (68.75%). VNS therapy was rated as highly effective in controlling seizures (68.75%), with significant benefits in reducing seizure frequency and improving quality of life (76.79%). Most neurologists (92.86%) encountered complications such as physical discomfort, mood changes, and device malfunctions. Conclusion: This study highlighted that neurologists in Saudi Arabia generally recognize the effectiveness of VNS in managing drug-resistant epilepsy, though there is a need for improved training and wider availability of VNS devices. Addressing these gaps through enhanced educational programs and better access to VNS therapy could significantly improve patient outcomes and the overall management of epilepsy .
