Replay of: Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center Hosts Live Webcast on Vagus Nerve Stimulation

First Seen Live Webcast: Thursday, October 28 at 4:30pm (CDT), 5:30pm (EDT), 21:30 (UTC)

Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center

Memphis, TN- In a live webcast on Thursday, October 28 at 4:30pm (CDT), 5:30pm (EDT), surgeons at Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center performed Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS Therapy ™). This is a treatment option for children with uncontrollable seizures.

	Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy

Approximately one percent of children in the United States have some form of epilepsy. For many of these children, medication or surgery are effective treatments. However, some children are not candidates for surgery and do not respond well to medication (pharmacoresistant). For these children, VNS Therapy ™ is often a safe and effective way to reduce the frequency and intensity of the seizures.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy

Approximately 40 percent of the patients on VNS Therapy experienced a 50 percent or greater reduction in the number of seizures after two to three years. Three out of four VNS Therapy patients continue on the therapy after three years.

	Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy

VNS offers additional benefits to children. Children using the VNS are able to better control their seizures, thus helping them perform better in school and become productive citizens. VNS can also help with depression that is often a side-effect noted in people who have chronic seizures.

The procedure was performed by Dr. Frederick A. Boop, Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center. Dr. Stephanie Einhaus hosted the program and answered e-mail questions.

How Does VNS Therapy ™ treat Epilepsy? Click here, about the procedure, to read more.