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CNI Epilepsy Center
Patient Care
Vagal Nerve Stimulation
The vagal nerve stimulator has been approved by the FDA for use in patients with partial seizure disorders. This device, similar to a pacemaker, is surgically implanted in the patient's chest wall. Electrodes leading from the device are wrapped around the vagus nerve on the left side of the neck. The vagus nerve is a large nerve in the neck with many connections that lead into the brain.
Stimulating the vagus nerve in the neck has been shown to "break up" seizures actually coming from the brain. After surgery, the patient comes back to the physician's office to have the stimulator programmed on the computer. The settings on the computer can be changed periodically to deliver a timed stimulus to the vagal nerve to help control seizures.
The side effects most commonly reported with this device are a tingling sensation in the neck and mild hoarseness of the voice during stimulation. These side effects may subside over time. Although this device does not work for everyone, it may offer improved seizure control to some patients without the sedating side effects that medications can cause. You can learn more about Vagal Nerve Stimulation at Cyberonics.
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