People with a vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) may have their own questions about traveling. With enhanced security equipment at many airports or other locations, concerns about possible problems with VNS or other electronic equipment arise. Here are a few tips to consider while traveling with a VNS. Make sure you also look at VNS Therapy 101 to make sure you know how to use the VNS as part of your seizure plan.

Preparing for Travel

• Make an appointment well ahead of travel time to have the VNS checked and programmed as needed.
• Ask your doctor or nurse to help you update your Seizure Plan. Make sure you have the information on your VNS listed correctly and how to use it as part of seizure management.
• If you will be traveling for a long period of time, take a letter with you that will list out the stimulation parameters of your VNS and who to call if any questions arise. Ask for a list of epilepsy specialists or hospitals at your destination who may be able to help if problems arise.
• Take your copy of the VNS Patient Manual (from Cyberonics) with you when traveling and your device registration card or papers.

Magnet Tips

• Take two magnets with you and make sure one is with you or in a carry-on. Give one to a travel companion to hold in case you lose one.
• Make sure you don’t keep the magnet in your purse or suitcase so it doesn’t affect your credit cards or other important papers or electronic equipment.
• Take some strong tape (usually hospital or medical tape will work) to use if you need to tape the magnet over the generator and temporarily turn it off. Better yet, get an exercise bra that fits snugly around the chest. This type of bra can hold the magnet next to your skin and over the generator if needed.

Safety Tips

• When walking through security areas, ask the security personnel not to use a security wand over your body, especially over the chest area. Give them a copy of your Seizure Plan or a letter from your doctor that describes your VNS or show them a copy of your VNS registration card.
• Let people know that you have an implanted stimulator and seizures. If you lose consciousness during a seizure, airline personnel could mistake a seizure for a heart attack and inadvertently use a defibrillator. A defibrillator could potentially interfere with and damage the VNS. Of course, if a heart attack does occur, immediate life-saving treatment to treat the heart attack comes first and the VNS issues are addressed later.

Continue to Using Preparedness Plans and Other Resources

Topic Editor: Steven C. Schachter, MD and Patricia O. Shafer, RN, MN.
Last Reviewed:7/25/07

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