US: How VNS Therapy™ Works

When considering the option of VNS Therapy™, it's important to understand how the process works. The main goals of VNS Therapy™ are to prevent seizures before they start and to stop them if they do. The VNS Therapy™ device sends mild pulses through the vagus nerve, which is one of the many nerves that connects with key receptors in the brain in an effort to control seizures.
VNS Therapy™ does not require brain surgery. In fact, implanting the device only involves a brief outpatient procedure, which takes about 1 to 2 hours. Once implanted, the stimulator is most commonly turned on two weeks after the procedure, so the patient has time to heal. Then the strength and duration of the pulses are programed. The device runs continuously and is programed to turn on and shut off for specific periods of time.
VNS Therapy™ delivers stimulation with three different modes. In the normal mode, therapy is delivered at regular intervals in an effort to prevent seizures. In AutoStim mode, an extra dose of stimulation is automatically delivered at the sign of a rapid increase in heart rate,
which is typical of many seizures in an effort to stop or shorten a seizure.
In magnet mode, you or caregiver have the ability to manually deliver an additional dose of therapy in an effort to stop or shorten a seizure once it starts. Talk to your neurologist to determine if VNS Therapy™ is right for you.
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THIS VIDEO IS INTENDED FOR AUDIENCES IN THE UNITED STATES ONLY. The VNS Therapy System is indicated for use as an adjunctive therapy in reducing the frequency of seizures in patients 4 years of age and older with partial onset seizures that are refractory to seizure medications. The most common side effects with VNS Therapy are hoarseness, shortness of breath, sore throat and coughing. These side effects generally only occur during stimulation and usually decrease over time. The most common side effect of the surgical procedure is infection. For important safety information, visit www.vnstherapy.com/safety