The vagus nerve stimulator therapy offers hope and comfort to patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. This advanced device helps reduce seizure frequency and severity, improving daily life quality for those who don’t respond well to medications.
The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. This page does not include information about medicinal healthcare services at Liv Hospital.
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy, also known as seizure disorder, is a neurological condition caused by abnormal electrochemical discharges in the brain's nerve cells. The prevalence of epilepsy in the general population is approximately 1%, which is a significant rate.
How is Epilepsy Treated?
Treatment options depend on the underlying cause of epilepsy. If diagnostic tests identify a tumor, vascular malformation, or a specific seizure focus in the brain, surgical removal of the cause is prioritized. For patients with normal brain imaging, medical therapy is the first-line treatment.
What is Drug-Resistant Epilepsy?
Approximately 60–65% of epilepsy patients achieve seizure control with medication. However, in 35–40% of cases, seizures continue despite the use of one or more antiepileptic drugs.
Drug-resistant epilepsy is defined as the persistence of seizures despite trying at least two different antiepileptic medications at appropriate doses for at least two years.
What is a Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS)? How Does it Work?
First introduced in 1988, the vagus nerve stimulator has proven effective in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy and is now widely used around the world.
The vagus nerve stimulator monitors changes in heart rate that may signal an impending seizure and delivers a mild electrical impulse to the vagus nerve in the neck. This signal travels to the brain, helping to suppress abnormal neuronal activity and either preventing the seizure completely or reducing its intensity.
What is VNS Surgery? How is it Performed?
Vagus nerve stimulator surgery is offered to selected patients with drug-resistant epilepsy following thorough evaluations by specialists in Neurology, Psychiatry, and Neurosurgery. This procedure is especially beneficial for patients who have not responded to open brain surgery, are not suitable candidates for such operations, or wish to avoid the associated risks.
The vagus nerve stimulator procedure is performed under general anesthesia. A small incision is made on the left side of the neck, and using microscopic guidance, the vagus nerve is carefully exposed. The lead from the vagus nerve stimulator is wrapped around the nerve, and the connecting wire is tunneled under the skin to a pulse generator implanted beneath the skin of the chest near the heart. The surgery typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to complete.
* Liv Hospital Editorial Board has contributed to the publication of this content .
* The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. This page does not include information about medicinal healthcare services at Liv Hospital.
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FAQ
Is VNS Surgery Risky?
When performed by experienced surgeons, VNS surgery involves minimal risk. Most patients are able to eat and walk on the same day, and are typically discharged within 24 hours.
What are the Potential Complications?
Although rare, potential complications include infection, bleeding, and nerve injury. These risks are minimal when the procedure is performed by experienced surgeons.
How Long Does The Device Last?
Current VNS devices typically last about 4 to 7 years, depending on the patient's level of seizure activity. When the battery runs out, the device can be replaced under local anesthesia, and most patients are able to go home the same day.
Do Seizures Stop Completely After VNS Surgery?
The main goal of VNS therapy is not to eliminate seizures completely, but to significantly reduce their frequency and severity. This enables patients to enjoy a more comfortable and functional life.
Is There a Follow-up Process After VNS Surgery?
Yes, follow-up appointments are conducted by a neurologist to adjust the device settings and evaluate the patient's response to seizures. Depending on these evaluations, the dosage of medication may be adjusted or gradually reduced over time.