Vagus Nerve Stimulation
are a variety of medications and treatments that can help those diagnosed with
epilepsy. While most patients can control their seizures with medication,
others may need a special diet or procedure. Patients undergo tests and
monitoring in a state-of-the-art epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) before
recommendations are made for any type of surgery or procedure.
treatment option for patients with medically refractory epilepsy (that which
does not respond to medications) is vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). In this
minimally invasive procedure, doctors implant a small device similar to a
pacemaker near the patient’s collar bone. It sends electrical signals to
stimulate the left vagus nerve in the neck. This can reduce seizures by up to
40 percent. The device operates automatically, but patients can also activate
the device on their own when they feel a seizure coming on.
is one of many innovative techniques the Texas Comprehensive Epilepsy Program
has available for patients, allowing the team of physicians to best tailor
treatment to each patient and produce the best outcomes possible. The group’s
mission is to help epilepsy patients gain control of their seizures and regain
their desired quality of life by applying the most comprehensive diagnostic and
treatment methods available.
For more information about the Texas Comprehensive Epilepsy Program at
Mischer Neuroscience Institute, or to schedule a consultation with one of our
physicians, please contact Jessica Johnson at (713) 500-5443 or firstname.lastname@example.org.