Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an adjunctive treatment for certain types of intractable epilepsy and major depression. VNS uses an implanted stimulator that sends electric impulses to the left vagus nerve in the neck via a lead wire implanted under the skin.
It takes some getting use to. See a neurophyscologist to help you to accept and adjust. It is a physical and mental challange but once you have gotten over the first hurdle and can see the change it is making it does become easier. Unexpected benifit for me is that I feel more alert and less tired. It has been a positive treatment for me.
Purpose:Seizures (grand mal or tonic-clonic)(Started Jul 21, 2010)
Date
Dosage
Perceived effectiveness
Side Effects
Adherence
Burden
Jun 17, 2012
Daily
Major
Mild
Always
Not at all
Oct 06, 2010
Daily
Slight
Mild
Always
Not at all
Aug 25, 2010
Daily
Major
Moderate
Always
Not at all
Side effects:
Strange cough
Date
Jun 17, 2012
Advice & Tips
I can only say this the VNS has changed my life totqlly and I have a new outlook for life. I feel better and I want to wake up in the morning and look forward to the day. I must say if you have the opportunity to have this procedure done take it.
Cost
< $25 monthly
Date
Oct 06, 2010
Advice & Tips
Patience, this treatment takes a lot of patience. There are many side effects and it takes a lot of time but in my eyes in the long run it will all be worth it. I just went through a day where I had 4 grand mal seizures in one day and ended up in the ICU for three days. My wife told my that the seizures were shorter and I came out of them faster so I look at it this way The VNS is starting to work. I just have to be patient and that is the best advice I can give to anyone thinking of this procedure. Be PATIENT it will work out in time.
Cost
< $25 monthly
Date
Aug 25, 2010
Advice & Tips
I only had the surgery a month ago but I have already seen improvements. I have had seizures without losing consciousness or having convulsions. I am very horse but i am sure when they find the right level my voice will get back to normal. I mean after all the stimulator is going off every 5 minutes right now. i can't tell when it goes off anymore. I could for the first couple of days.
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Tonialpha
Data Quality: 3 stars
Sex:
F
Age:
59y
Duration:
46 yrs
PRO survey:
PRO 3
Quality of Life:
Social:
Mild
Mental:
None
Physical:
None
Surgery type:
Left Temporal Lobectomy, Selective Amygdalohippocampectomy, Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)
Dr. turned it off for a year and that helped. Now I am having the symptoms again.
Cost
< $25 monthly
Date
Sep 15, 2000
Advice & Tips
Initially asthma symptoms increased, used O2.
I lost my ability to sing,
Seizures increased, changed Epileptologist
Used all ranges on machine.
Changed battery. I wanted it out but seizures started to get better
Now w/ low levels my seizures are better under control. Asthma is better
Throat is not swollen anymore
Updating results…
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