Community Forum Archive

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.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy

Tue, 02/01/2005 - 00:45

I am looking for some one that has had the VNS implant procedure done.  My family is considering the procedure for my brother and we would like to speak with someone that has had the procedure done and would be willing to share their success or failure with this device.  We have done much research on the web, however most if not all of the information is provided by Cyberonics who sells the device and physicians who perform the procedure.  Of course the information that we are getting from Cyberonics is that it is the miracle cure for seizures and the physicians only know about "studies".  If there is anyone out there that could share, we would greatly appreciate it.

Best Regards,
Rod

Comments

RE: RE: Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy

Submitted by kareninpoway on Tue, 2005-02-01 - 00:40

Hi Jackie,

I was surprised to hear that your son had VNS implanted at the age of 3 - - I thought it was only approved for kids aged 12 and over. Where was it done?  Did you have difficulty with getting approval from your insurance or physicians? Any info you could share would be greatly appreciated.  My direct email is karenkurth@hotmail.com   I had VNS implanted in myself last Friday, 1/28, but a friend of mine has a 3-year old nephew who is on the ketogenic diet and he has failed everything else. 

Thanks a bunch.

Karen

Hi Jackie,

I was surprised to hear that your son had VNS implanted at the age of 3 - - I thought it was only approved for kids aged 12 and over. Where was it done?  Did you have difficulty with getting approval from your insurance or physicians? Any info you could share would be greatly appreciated.  My direct email is karenkurth@hotmail.com   I had VNS implanted in myself last Friday, 1/28, but a friend of mine has a 3-year old nephew who is on the ketogenic diet and he has failed everything else. 

Thanks a bunch.

Karen

RE: Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy

Submitted by burningman30 on Sun, 2005-01-30 - 11:50

Rod,

I had my first VNS for about 5 years and my second one for a little over a year now.  The first year or so I had immediate improvements and the side effects are no big deal....but there are certainly side effects.  I had soreness around the implant site, hoarsness and vibrating of the vocal chords.  (my voice hasn't ever really been the same)  If you are a singer or like to sing a lot...this is NOT for you.  BUT...my seizures were immediately helped and it was really worth it to me.   I remember that the Cyberonics person had me speak with a couple of other "implants" in the area before I had mine done and that really helped.  Feel free to email me directly for my number.  elementbrandon@yahoo.com.  The second implant was a breeze and has continued to help up until my recent challenges.

Brandon

Rod,

I had my first VNS for about 5 years and my second one for a little over a year now.  The first year or so I had immediate improvements and the side effects are no big deal....but there are certainly side effects.  I had soreness around the implant site, hoarsness and vibrating of the vocal chords.  (my voice hasn't ever really been the same)  If you are a singer or like to sing a lot...this is NOT for you.  BUT...my seizures were immediately helped and it was really worth it to me.   I remember that the Cyberonics person had me speak with a couple of other "implants" in the area before I had mine done and that really helped.  Feel free to email me directly for my number.  elementbrandon@yahoo.com.  The second implant was a breeze and has continued to help up until my recent challenges.

Brandon

RE: RE: Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy

Submitted by goheavy on Sun, 2005-04-24 - 07:38

I was diagnosed with epilepsy in Aug. 2004 and been on to many meds to mention which are still not working. Neuro is recommending VNS. I here the stories good and bad. Are thier any major hold backs as far as recreational activites such as, weightlifting, wrestling the right kind (not on t.v.) I am very active.

Tim

I was diagnosed with epilepsy in Aug. 2004 and been on to many meds to mention which are still not working. Neuro is recommending VNS. I here the stories good and bad. Are thier any major hold backs as far as recreational activites such as, weightlifting, wrestling the right kind (not on t.v.) I am very active.

Tim

Sign Up for Emails

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