Vagus Nerve Stimulation

Epilepsy

Epilepsy affects approximatly 50 million people worldwide. The chronic neurological disorder is characterised by recurrent seizures. These seizures are due to abnormal, excessive or synchronous neuronal activity in the brain.

Epilepsy can be controlled by Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) treatment. This involves stimulating the left vagus nerve in the neck with tiny electrical pulses that are generated from a pulse generator surgically located in the chest. The pulse generator delivers stimulation to the vagus nerve in doses specific to the individual.

VNS aims to reduce the number, length and severity of seizures. For some people their seizures become much less frequent, for others it reduces them a bit and for others is unfortunately has no effect. VNS is used as a therapy but not a cure.

Depression

Millions of people suffer from depression around the world. It was found that positive side effects of the VNS treatment included enhanced mood, memory and alertness. It has been found that electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve is therapeutic in rectifying depression in some cases. Certain studies have shown that the condition of some patients improved so much that they were able to return to work or other normal activities.