Vagus Nerve Stimulation

For people 4 years old or older with hard-to-control epileptic seizures, the vagus nerve stimulation system implant may reduce the severity and amount of seizures. By sending an electrical pulse to the vagus nerve, the device can interrupt or prevent electrical disturbances in the brain that lead to seizures.

The VNS system’s battery supplies energy anywhere from five to 12 years depending on the device settings. Each device is programmed differently for each patient. The device can use three different types of stimulation to affect seizure frequency and severity:

1. It can turn on and off 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, independent of any seizure activity. This affects the brain to improve seizure control.
2. It can abort an ongoing seizure by having the patient or caregiver initiate a stimulation by using a hand-held magnet.
3. The device can detect when it’s necessary to begin treatment by monitoring a patient’s heart rate. When a rise in heart rate coincides with a seizure, the device can begin a stimulation that can decrease the seizure's duration and severity. 

The Implant Procedure

Typically only taking one to two hours, the procedure to implant the VNS system consists of two small incisions. One incision is in the neck for access to the vagus nerve and another below the collarbone or in the armpit.

Electrodes are wrapped around the vagus nerve. The surgeon places the VNS pulse generator under the skin of the chest in a surgically created pocket and tunnels the electrode under the skin from the neck incision.

After implantation, your doctor programs the device to generate electrical pulses at intervals specific to your needs.

Benefits

Approximately 63 percent of patients who have received a VNS implant report up to a 50 percent reduction in the amount of seizures, a reduction in hospital admissions and a substantial improvement in quality of life.

Side Effects

Complications from the VNS system are rare and are usually mild to moderate when reported. They can include:

• Coughing and fluid accumulation
• Hoarseness
• Infection around the generator site
• Shortness of breath
• Throat pain
• Transient vocal cord paralysis