Deep brain stimulation in drug-resistant epilepsy: current status and future perspectives

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1672-6731.2026.01.008

Abstract

Abstract: Drug-resistant epilepsy remains a major challenge in management of epilepsy, with approximately half of patients being unsuitable candidates for resective surgery. In recent years, deep brain stimulation (DBS), as a neuromodulation therapy, has demonstrated promising potential. This review summarizes recent advances in DBS for drug -resistant epilepsy, focusing on major stimulation targets and their associated neurophysiological mechanisms. We also discuss the suitability of various DBS targets for different epilepsy types and provide perspectives on future directions, including individualized adjustment of stimulation parameters and the development of closed-loop stimulation, aiming to inform clinical practice and guide further research in the management of drug-resistant epilepsy.

Key words: Drug resistant epilepsy, Deep brain stimulation, Subthalamic nucleus, Pulvinar, Intralaminar thalamic nuclei, Hippocampus, Review

摘要： 药物难治性癫痫是癫痫管理的重大挑战，约50%患者不具备致痫灶切除术的适应证。脑深部电刺激术在药物难治性癫痫的治疗中展现出良好的应用前景。本文系统回顾脑深部电刺激术治疗药物难治性癫痫的发展历程，总结主要刺激靶点的临床疗效及潜在调控机制，分析其适用的癫痫类型及相应模式，并在此基础上进一步探讨网络调控、参数优化及闭环刺激等前沿发展方向，旨在为药物难治性癫痫的精准调控与机制研究提供参考。

关键词: 耐药性癫痫, 深部脑刺激法, 丘脑底核, 丘脑枕, 丘脑髓板内核, 海马, 综述

CLC Number:

R741
R651

HU Tian-qi, XIE Hu-tao, ZHANG Jian-guo. Deep brain stimulation in drug-resistant epilepsy: current status and future perspectives[J]. Chinese Journal of Contemporary Neurology and Neurosurgery, 2026, 26(1): 57-64.

胡天棋, 解虎涛, 张建国. 脑深部电刺激术治疗药物难治性癫痫进展与展望[J]. 中国现代神经疾病杂志, 2026, 26(1): 57-64.

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https://journal11.magtechjournal.com/cjcnn/EN/Y2026/V26/I1/57

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