Effects of continuous bipolar hippocampal deep brain stimulation on memory in patients with unilateral or bilateral refractory temporal lobe epilepsy

This study provides long-term evidence supporting the cognitive safety and efficacy of continuous Hip-DBS in patients with refractory TLE. Both unilateral and bilateral stimulation were well tolerated, with preserved cognitive and memory function in high-functioning individuals. The findings reinforce the value of Hip-DBS as a non-resective alternative for patients with bilateral or eloquent temporal seizure onsets. Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and long-term follow-up are critical for optimizing outcomes. Larger, multicenter studies are needed to refine stimulation protocols and better characterize cognitive trajectories.