The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.

VNS

Thu, 11/28/2019 - 11:36
Hi, can anyone give me insights via their own experience with VNS surgery? Efficacy, side effects etc. Thank you

Comments

I had VNS implanted in 1999

Submitted by birdman on Thu, 2019-11-28 - 20:55
I had VNS implanted in 1999 (two years after it was approved).  After it was turned on I noticed I seemed to recover more quickly after my seizures.  Other than that I didn't notice a great difference in seizure frequency.  I knew before I had the surgery that it was prone to causing changes in the voice.  But I also understood that the treatment could be stopped by using the magnet.  This was important to me since a favorite pastime for me was singing in choirs.  Well the magnet they had at the time was a block about as heavy as a chicken egg.  I had to create a garment to hold the heavy magnet in place or else it would move and set the device off at a higher setting and make singing more difficult.After five years of treatment with VNS I decided it was not worth it anymore.  The seizures didn't stop, and it wasn't worth the trouble trying to manage the unit to be on when I wanted it and off for several hours a week when singing.If I wouldn't be a singer I imagine I may have kept the treatment up for a little longer.  Maybe by now Cyberonics has updated their equipment and it has greater potential than it did twenty years ago.  Also if I had more frequent seizures the continuous cycling on and off of the treatment would have been less disturbing.  Mike 

Hi, Thank you for posting. It

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 2019-12-02 - 08:22
Hi, Thank you for posting. It is important to remember when preparing for epilepsy surgery that every individual experience and path is different As Michael shared with his experience with the VNS device, the efficacy and side effects varies for each individual. Your healthcare team will review what options are possible for you and will help guide you through the proper evaluation and testing, prior to making a decision about surgery.Working together with your epilepsy team is the key to understanding your epilepsy and the best treatment options for you. Review our list of commonly asked questions about epilepsy surgery, learn more about the recovery process and common themes for people living with epilepsy & family members during their journey through epilepsy surgery,here: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/surgeryTo learn more about the VNS device please visit: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/devices/vagus-nerve-stimulation-vns It’s also important that you to express any concerns you may have and talk with your doctors about your personal goals and expectations for epilepsy surgery. https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/surgery/goals-and-expectationsAdditionally, you may always contact our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-332-1000 contactus@efa.org, where a trained information specialist can connect you to resources, provide referrals and additional support. epilepsy.com/helpline   Or contact your local Epilepsy Foundation at: https://www.epilepsy.com/affiliates  to find support groups, events, and programs in your community.

I'm following this I too want

Submitted by Fl0werz on Mon, 2019-12-02 - 14:47
I'm following this I too want to know first hand experience with vns

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.