Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS) as it is commonly known as, is the only device approved by US-FDA for adjunctive treatment of intractable seizures in patients older than 12 years.
VNS typically has a generator implanted usually in the chest, and a lead electrode surgically hooked on to left vagus. It also comes with a magnet to abolish, diminish or terminate an ongoing seizure.
VNS occurs at specific intervals (30 seconds on , 5 minutes off).
There is an increased likelihood of improved seizure control with magnet stimulation in VNS.
Side effect profile of VNS varies from Obstructive Sleep Apnea(OSA) to deep surgical infection & breakage of the lead.
VNS typically has a generator implanted usually in the chest, and a lead electrode surgically hooked on to left vagus. It also comes with a magnet to abolish, diminish or terminate an ongoing seizure.
VNS occurs at specific intervals (30 seconds on , 5 minutes off).
There is an increased likelihood of improved seizure control with magnet stimulation in VNS.
Side effect profile of VNS varies from Obstructive Sleep Apnea(OSA) to deep surgical infection & breakage of the lead.
BOTTOMLINE: VNS approved for treatment of intractable seizures in more than 12 year old & also for treatment of chronic or recurrent depression in patients older than 18 years.
This is an outline for the article Morris GL 3rd, Gloss D, Buchhalter J, Mack KJ, Nickels K, Harden C. Evidence-based guideline update: vagus nerve stimulation for the treatment of epilepsy: report of the Guideline Development Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology. 2013;81:1453-1459.
Image courtesy : shockmd.com
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