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
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