THE SHOCKING TRUTH ABOUT VAGAL NERVE

STIMULATION THERAPY

Risks and benefits

Pros and cons

EPILEPSY & VNS BY THE NUMBERS…

components

Programming Wand

Programming Device

Patient Magnet

Photos Courtesy of Cyberonics

VNS: WHAT IS IT?

• “Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS Therapy®) is designed to prevent seizures by sending regular, mild pulses of electrical energy to the brain via the vagus nerve. These pulses are supplied by a device something like a pacemaker”

(Epilepsy.com, 2016).Courtesy of Cyberonics

The Magnet

Patients who have failed several medication trials in succession

Patients who ARE controlled, but on such high doses, the side effects are intolerable

Patients who are not a candidate for surgery.

INDICATIONS CONTRA- INDICATIONS

Not for use in pt.’s with bilateral or left cervical vagotomies

Those with pre-existing cardiac, respiratory or swallowing issues

Safety has not been established in pregnancy.

Do NOT use short wave, microwave, or therapeutic U/S

diathermy!

Patient’s smoke may have increased laryngeal irritation!

NO MRI’s!

Side Effects good / bad

Patient stories:

Patient stories:

Patient stories

REFERENCES

o VNSTherapy.como Epilepsy.como MAYO Clinic