How does VNS Therapy Treat Epilepsy?

Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy

VNS Therapy sends precisely timed and measured mild electrical impulses to the left vagus nerve, which then activates various areas of the brain. The vagus nerve is the 10th cranial nerve and is the leading "information highway" to the brain from the thorax and abdomen. Vagus nerve stimulation is delivered via a small pacemaker-like device that is implanted just under the skin during a short outpatient procedure. Roughly the size of a small pocket-watch, the device is implanted in the patient's chest with small wires running under the skin to the left vagus nerve in the neck. Using an external programming system, physicians can adjust the timing and amount of the stimulation the patient receives. A special magnet allows the patient or caregiver an added measure of control over the disorder by permitting extra stimulation to potentially stop or decrease a seizure or by permitting an interruption of stimulation to acutely manage side effects.