What is Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Surgery?
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) surgery involves the surgical implantation of a stimulating device, a 6 centimeter wide disc which resembles a pacemaker. An incision is made along the outer, left side of the chest where the device is then implanted under the skin. A second incision is made horizontally in the lower neck, along a crease of skin, and the lead from the stimulator is wrapped around the vagus nerve. Initially, stimulation is usually set to occur for 30 seconds every five minutes. The doctor then adjusts these parameters according to patient tolerance and seizure response in follow-up visits. The patient also has a degree of control over the VNS. Each patient receives a magnet that activates the device. When the patient or caregiver “swipes” over the device with the magnet, the VNS turns “on” and delivers a stimulus. This allows a patient who feels an aura coming on, or a caregiver who sees the start of a seizure, to try to stop the seizure. Compared to standard epilepsy surge
