It is used for drug-resistant Epilepsy in patients 5 years and Older. It uses a Small Battery that delivers mild electrical pulses to the vagus nerve in the neck, helping to correct abnormal brain activity causing Epileptic Fits.
How It Works
The Battery: A small pulse Battery is implanted under the skin of the left upper chest.
Connecting Wire: A very thin wire connects the generator to the left vagus nerve in the neck.
Stimulation: The device is programmed to automatically send mild electrical pulses at regular intervals.
Activation: It also includes automatic heart rate detection that gives immediate stimulation if a fast heart rate is detected by the Battery which is usually seen with a seizure.
Effectiveness
VNS does not replace the need for medications and it works as an add-on treatment.
Side Effects
VNS is well-tolerated and no major side effects are seen.
Best Candidates
Those suffering from Refractory Epilepsy which means Epileptic Fits which do not respond to multiple seizure medications.
