Vagal Nerve Stimulation (VNS) for Epilepsy: How It Works and Who Can Benefit

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VNS will not heal epilepsy, but will help reduce seizures in frequency and severity approximately a prolonged period. In general, VNS is considered for patients suffering from focal or generalized attacks who are not surgical candidates or have failed in other forms of treatment. Many patients also report that improve mood, alert state, quality of life and the best control of seizures. The therapy is customizable and adjustable for individual requirements.

What is VNS therapy?

VNS (or lazy nerve stimulation) is an attached therapy for adults and children 4 years or more. It is approved (by the FDA) for the treatment of focal or partial seizures that do not respond to treatment (seizures called resistant or refractory drugs).

It is observed that the vns bone is effective to address people who are 18 or more, affected by chronic or recurring major depression that has not improved later or more antidepressants. In addition, VNS has been approved for those with a severe loss of arm and hand functions that result from ischemic stroke to be used as an association with rehabilitation therapy.

Who is not a candidate for VNS therapy?

• Pregnant individuals
• Individuals with respiratory disorders such as asthma, sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other pulmonary diseases or disorders.
• Individuals with active peptic ulcer disease and insulin -dependent diabetes mellitus (there is only a vagus nerve).
• Individuals with dysautonomy.
• Use of individuals Other forms of brain stimulation therapies.
• Individuals with cardiac arrhythmias or any form of abnormalities of the heart.
• Individuals with a history of disorders such as schizophrenia, schizoofective disorder, delusional disorders or rapid cycle bipolar disorder.
• Individuals with previous left neck surgery that involved eliminating a part of the vagus nerve.

How the vagus nerve helps control seizures?

The vagus nerve acts as an important regulator of heart rate, digestion and brain activity, among other functions of the autonomous body. Duration The treatment of epilepsy, the electrical signals transmitted through the stimulation of the vago nerve are sent to the brain agreements that may have tide activity. The signals regulate un controlled electric disads within the brain that result in seizures.

The exact mechanism is not yet understood, but studies have shown that it can significantly reduce the frequency, duration and intensity of seizures in many patients.

How does the device work?

The lazy nerve stimulation device (VNS) is made of a pulse generator (shaped like a pacemaker) integrated with fine cables that connect the left vague nerve on the neck. The controlled and previously programmed electrical impulses are sent to the vagus nerve; Therefore, the signals are transmitted to the brain. Individualized programming is possible. The instrument also has a manual activation feature, which can be done using a hand magnet, to stop an imminent seizure or reduce the iSTISITY.

Who can benefit from VNS?

VNS therapy is an adequate treatment solution only for patients with specific epilepsy. The therapy benefits patients who do not respond to medication -based treatments.

• People who experience seizures have partial (focal) or general.
• Individuals who are not candidates for brain surgery or prefer a non -surgical alternative.
• Children 4 years or older (approved by the FDA) and adults with epilepsy.
• People with side effects or who wish to reduce their doses of medicines.
• Patients with refractory epileptic syndromes, such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

VNS therapy is not a cure. Networking the frequency and severity of seizures, improves recovery time and improves the quality of life and mood of people. An integral neurological examination of the individual for eligibility is required.

What is the procedure to carry out VNS?

Pre -surgical evaluation

• Before surgery, patients are evaluated neurological to determine if they can be accepted for VNS treatment. This may include brain images using MRI or CT, EEGS and other clinical manifestations. General anesthesia is administered through the procedure.

Pulse generator implementation

• An incision is made in the upper left chest under the clavicle where a pulse generator is implanted. The device is approximately the size of a stopwatch and has bone compilations to provide electrical impulses after an established period.
• Another small incision is made for the exhibition of the left vagus nerve on the left side. The thin and isolated lead wires are wrapped around the nerve and are tuna under the skin to connect with the pulse generator in the chest.

Close the incisions

• Both incisions are closed with surgical basic sutures or foods, with applied stars dressings when the generator and cables are insured.

Initial recovery and activation

• The patient recovers in a few hours a day. The patient can go home the next day. The device is activated and programmed approximately 2 to 4 weeks after surgery by a neurologist who uses a wireless hand programmer.

Programming and monitoring

• The stimulation parameters frequencies, duration and intensity established depending on the patient’s needs. Subsequently, the configuration settings are carried out in the time monitoring visits for the door to maximize cash for the patient and minimize any side effect.

Living with the device

• That generator creates automatic electric pulses to the vagus nerve throughout the day. The patient receives a magnet that can activate for stimulation, apart from those that occur due to automatic impulses, in case of a sudden seizure. The replacement is lower and can be done in 5-10 years of battery.

What are the risks and benefits of vns therapy?

Risks

• Surgical risks: Infection, bleeding or nerve injury (as with any procedure).
• Voice changes: Ronquera or changes in the voice.
• Throat or cough investment: The oppression of the throat, cough or lack of breathing during stimulation cycles.
• Dream disturbances: Sleep apnea or sleep interruptions.
• Difficulty swallowing: Mild dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).
• Battery replacement: Minor surgery may be required for replacement.

Benefits

• Reduction of the frequency of seizures: Reduction in the frequency of seizures in patients with intactable epilepsy at at least 30% to 50% over time.
• Improvements in seizure recovery: The recovery is faster.
• Improvement in the quality of life: Improved alert, mood, memory and general energy.
• Non -invasive: Safer interventions in the future.
• Adjustable and reversible: The device configuration can be changed according to the way in which the patient responds and goes out or eliminates if necessary.

VNS therapy in India

India is recognized worldwide for advanced medical treatments such as lazy nerve stimulation therapy (VNS), such as neurological procedures. It gives a combination of aspects of high quality and affordability.

Hospitals in India are equipped with high -end technology and international accredited facilities that provide world -class medical care in specialties. The experience came from doctors, many of whom were trained abroad, and is within their ability to diagnose and carry out advanced surgical interventions. Some medical facilities include:

The cost of treatment becomes remarkable lower than that of many other countries without discomfort quality and safety. Patients obtain care plans made especially for their needs, multilingual support personnel and provision without problems for international visitors. Therefore, the above advantages make India an excellent option for people looking for effective, reliable and profitable health solutions.

Conclusion

Medical research shows that vagal nerve stimulation is a practical treatment approach for people with drug resistant epilepsy. Vns’s treatment thought the condition does not cure, it provides substantial relief through the lowest seizures, faster health recovery and a better quality of life. The VNS procedure serves patients resistant to brain surgery, as well as people who do not obtain sufficient relief from medications. VNS represents a lasting therapeutic solution that provides lasting benefits through its safe and reversible mechanism. Regular follow -ups help patients achieve better symptom control, which allows them to lead a more independent life.

Key control

• The use of VNS leads to a gradual decrease in the occurrence of seizures, as well as its intensity.
• The treatment improves the mood of the patients, their focus skills and their sleep quality.
• Non -destructive and reversible alternative to brain surgery
• The device reduces the use of the emergency room while improving the general daily performance of patients.
• It offers long -term durability with minimum maintenance
• The therapy provides patients with tools to achieve an independent life, along with self -confidence.

Frequent questions

Is a VNS implant show?
The device is implanted under the skin on the chest and connects to a vague nerve on the neck through a cable. In general, it does not appear visible under clothes, and most patients do not feel discomfort after healing.

How effective is VNS therapy to control seizures?
The frequency of seizures was significantly reduced for many of them over time. In general, it does not eradicates the events of seizures, but improves the quality of life and minimizes the dizzy effect.

Can the VNS device be adjusted or off?
Yes, it is adjustable to use a specific programmer by a medical care provider. In some exceptional cases, a magnet can also temporarily suspend it.

When will I see the results of VNS therapy?
You will probably see an improvement within a few months of therapy, but the benefits usually occur more gradually for 1 to 2 years of treatment.

How long does the VNS device last?
The battery can last approximately 5 to 10 years, depending on its configuration and use; A minor procedure is to request when the battery is executed to change the generator.

Is magnetic resonance with a VNS implant possible?
Some types of magnetic resonances are possible with special precautions, but are not safe with all children. It is essential to notify your doctor and radiology staff about the presence of a VNS device.