Valley Neuro/Microneurosurgery, S.C.

 

Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)

For Seizure Control

 

Epilepsy is a chronic, often lifelong problem involving seizures. Living with
Epilepsy, the seizures, medication side effects & the anxiety/lack of control involved often means a poor quality of life.

 

In 1997, Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) was FDA approved in the USA for seizure control.  Dr. Paul is one of few neurosurgeons in Wisconsin qualified to perform this procedure. VNS has also recently been FDA approved for use in the treatment of severe depression.  Patients with VNS usually have less severe, less frequent, & shorter seizures.  Many also report better mood, improved alertness, & improved memory.

How VNS Works:

  • A pacemaker-like generator is implanted in the chest & a lead wire is wrapped around the Vagus nerve in the neck. This generator holds the battery that runs the systemm. It is ssimilar to a pacemaker in size & is usually implanted near the collarbone.  

  • The generator is pprogrammed to periodically deliver mild, electrical impulses to Vagus nerve through the lead.  These electrical pulses block brain signals which cause seizure often reducing the frequency, duration & severity of the seizures.  
  • Programming is performed by a trained neurologist over several office visits.  It may take several non-invasive & painless programming adjustments before the optimal level of stimulation for your seizure control is reached.
  • Sstimulation can be turned "on" & "off" by the patient as needed by placing a special magnet over the generator.
*Batteries last about 3-5 years at typical settings, with 16 hours of use per day
Common side effects include: hoarseness/voice change, mild throat discomfort, cough& dyspnoea (feeling of shortness of breath).  These side effects usually happen only during stimulation "on time" & usually diminish over time or with stimulation adjustments. By holding a special magnet over the generator, patients can temporarily stop stimulation. Patients may want to stop stimulation in instances such as: singing, public speaking, exercise, or to facilitate swallowing for people with pre-existing swallowing difficulties. Removal of the magnet will restart stimulation.
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