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vns therapy side effects

Wed, 02/15/2006 - 10:10

Topic: Complementary Therapies

I joined this site yesterday and I'm interesting in touching base with anyone who has a vns. In particular I would like to find out if anyone has experienced any unusual side effects not mentioned by Cyberonics. I occasionally experience 'tingling' in my neck and shoulder - this is actually quite unpleasant and it has been severe enough to warrant having my vns temporarily turned off. At one point last summer it felt like I was being repeatedly stung by a bee or something like that (I'm not sure exactly how to describe it). Cyberonics claims that no one has ever mentioned anything similar to this. I have been quite happy with my vns - it has helped stop many seizures once they have started, which has meant fewer trips to the ER but if this problem became really severe again I wouldn't be able to keep my vns turned on. Please let me know if you have experienced anything like this - I would like to know - Cyberonics makes it sound like I'm crazy or something. Thanks!!!

Comments

Re: Re: vns therapy side effects

Submitted by dbrook on Tue, 2007-03-20 - 19:27

I also have a VNS and yes, when I'm running or doing a different aerobic workout, I have to relax for about 30 seconds while it activates. It's a pain. I was a teacher for one year(7th and 8th math) and my students hardly could understand anything about a VNS and at that age, they don't want to take the time to even try to understand a VNS. I was depressed and just recently gave up teaching. I now am trying to discover a new career with an education(math) degree. But yes, the VNS has side effects that we must learn to live with. It took about 8 months until my VNS actually did start taking action, and my seizures ended for 5 months. I had one day of partial seizures after that, and nothing since then(2 weeks ago). We'll see where it goes from here. Take care, and I wish you the best.

Re: Re: Re: vns therapy side effects

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 2007-03-20 - 22:18

When side effects are bothersome from the VNS stimulation, the magnet can be taped over the generator to temporarily turn off the device. Sometimes people do this when exercising or when they are talking in front of crowds and don't want the voice to change at that time. As soon as the magnet is removed, the VNS goes back into it's preprogrammed cycle of stimulation. Here's a link to info about VNS.

If the tape doesn't hold the magnet in place, try wearing a jogbra and put the magnet between the bra and the skin. It does a great job holding the magnet in place!

Best wishes,

Epi_help

If the tape doesn't hold the magnet in place, try wearing a jogbra and put the magnet between the bra and the skin. It does a great job holding the magnet in place!

Best wishes,

Epi_help

Re: Re: Re: Re: vns therapy side effects

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 2007-03-20 - 22:37

Sorry, forgot to add the link!

vns info

Epi_help

vns info

Epi_help

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