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Glossary
What does it mean?
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Vagus
Nerve Stimulation
VNS
Therapy
This is a relatively new treatment with approval
for use in epilepsy in 1997 in the United States.
It was registered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration
in Australia in April 2000.
What
is it?
VNS Therapy is a mild electrical stimulation
of the vagus nerve that runs through the neck
and carries information to the brain. Intermittent
stimulation of the vagus nerve in some people
with epilepsy reduces the frequency and intensity
of seizures. It is used as an additional therapy
in reducing the frequency of seizures predominantly
in adults and adolescents over 12 years of age
with partial seizures that are unable to be
controlled with antiepileptic medications.
How
does it work?
A pacemaker like generator implanted in the
chest and a lead is attached to the vagus nerve,
which delivers electrical impulses to this nerve
at regular intervals. The device is programmed
to deliver a regular stimulus to the vagus nerve.
If people get a warning or aura before a seizure
begins, a magnet can be used to activate the
stimulus, which may prevent or reduce the intensity
of the seizure.
"How
the device works exactly is poorly understood"
What
have studies shown?
Studies have demonstrated an approximate long-term
decrease in seizure frequency of 40-50%, and
a short-term decrease in seizure frequency of
20-30% in people older than 12 years.
"Research
has proven that it is a safe and effective way
to control seizures"
Are
there other benefits?
Many people have reported benefits other than
changes in seizure frequency. These benefits
include an improvement in alertness, memory,
energy levels and mood. It has also allowed
many people to reduce the medications they take.
What
are the side effects?
The most common side effects include hoarseness,
a prickling feeling on the skin, shortness of
breath, and increased coughing. These side effects
are often mild and diminish over time.
As with any surgery,
there is a small
risk of infection and bleeding.
Having
a VNS implanted does not mean medications
will be stopped. It is usually used in
conjunction with medications.
Understand Epilepsy
