VNS surgery tomorrow

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) was approved by the FDA in 1997 to prevent or interrupt electrical disturbances in the brain for persons with hard to control epileptic seizures. Used in conjunction with anti-seizure medications, VNS uses electrical pulses that are delivered to the vagus nerve in the neck and travel up into the brain. The vagus nerve has very few pain fibers, and therefore acts as an excellent pathway to deliver signals to the brain without the need for direct brain stimulation.

How does VNS work? Although it is not known exactly how VNS reduces seizure activity, it is believed that persistent VNS causes changes in brain chemistry that may reduce excitatory amino acids, and/or increase inhibitory levels, thus reducing seizure activity.


VNS implantation



Close up of the VNS

VNS doesn't cure epilepsy but, like anti-seizure medicines, in most people it helps reduce symptoms. Usually, a person using VNS would still take medication, although probably in smaller doses.

Now we just have to get him up at 5:00 AM tomorrow morning!