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 - 00:45I 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: Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy
Submitted by sweet_deeter1 on Mon, 2005-03-07 - 19:51
Hello,
I had the VNS surgery in Oct. 04. I haven't had much success with it yet. There hasn't been a reduction in seizures. The only thing I have noticed is that sometimes when I or someone else uses the magnet it makes the seizures less intense. When I have grand mals, my postical period usually lasted a long time. I don't have auras but even with the vns implant it made my postical period not as long. I go to have the stimulator turned up this month. I know that my neuro told me that it can take from 3 mo to 1 and a half years to be effective if at all. I am currently on three meds, Zonegran, Keppra, Depakote ER. I have complex partial and grand mal seizures. If you have anymore questions feel free to email me at c.furlin@mchsi.com. Hope this helps, Candita
Hello,
I had the VNS surgery in Oct. 04. I haven't had much success with it yet. There hasn't been a reduction in seizures. The only thing I have noticed is that sometimes when I or someone else uses the magnet it makes the seizures less intense. When I have grand mals, my postical period usually lasted a long time. I don't have auras but even with the vns implant it made my postical period not as long. I go to have the stimulator turned up this month. I know that my neuro told me that it can take from 3 mo to 1 and a half years to be effective if at all. I am currently on three meds, Zonegran, Keppra, Depakote ER. I have complex partial and grand mal seizures. If you have anymore questions feel free to email me at c.furlin@mchsi.com. Hope this helps, Candita
RE: Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy
Submitted by janb on Mon, 2005-03-07 - 14:33
hello, my daughter is 33 yrs old and she has the vns now for 3 yrs,
i cannot see it helping her she still takes more mec than before and she still has seizures every single day sometimes
3 or 4 a day, she was not a canadiate for the surgery and every 3 months we go to the doc and he turn the machine up one more level she is on level 23 now
she also has the voice change and choking feeling
i cant tell a difference in her seizures my self i guess it does some good
she has had seizures now for 19 yrs and she will have them the rest of her life
love a caring mom
hello, my daughter is 33 yrs old and she has the vns now for 3 yrs,
i cannot see it helping her she still takes more mec than before and she still has seizures every single day sometimes
3 or 4 a day, she was not a canadiate for the surgery and every 3 months we go to the doc and he turn the machine up one more level she is on level 23 now
she also has the voice change and choking feeling
i cant tell a difference in her seizures my self i guess it does some good
she has had seizures now for 19 yrs and she will have them the rest of her life
love a caring mom