Vagus Nerve Stimulator

[cjohn...@new.rr.com]

Good Day..... I am curious if someone has had a vagus nerve stimulator
implanted to control their seizures. I had one put in 6 months ago and
have had wonderful results. While it hasn't stopped all of them it has
reduced them by approx 75%. I'm wondering if someone else has had one
longer and seen their seizures reduced even more with time. Take Care
& God Bless

[Joy Gangadharan]

What was the siezure frequency in ur case. Did ur neurologist advise u to go for it or was ur personal decision? Is it advisable for all kinds of seizures (moderate to frequent)? I surely would like to know more about it.

thanx a lot for sharing ur views with all.

--joy 

[cjohn...@new.rr.com]

Joy, I found out about the vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) by a surgeon
who worked on my back. After researching the VNS and talking with my
neurologist I felt it worth a try. It is similar to a pacemaker and is
implanted under the skin near your collarbone. A wire under the skin
connects the device to the vagus nerve in your neck, so no brain
surgery is required It produces a electrical signals that travel along
the vagus nerve to your brain at a set intervals (mine goes off every 3
minutes). You can also use a handheld magnet to turn the device on if
you feel a seizure about to start. It took about 2 1/2 hours in
implant and one night in the hospital.

As far as I know it is for all types of seizures, it also helps with
depression. The only drawback is for the 30 seconds its on your voice
changes slightly. I only have 1 seizure aprrox. every 6 weeks which is
a huge improvement.

Craig

[McMurrian Glenn]

I you are refurring to the brain surgery for epilepsy yes I did have it done and I can say for sure that it when from 2 to 3 a month to four to five a day from the age 15 to 18 depending on the stress level that was going on with 4 being the most common amount.  It is done for all type of siezures that cannot be controled with meds and it depends on what kind of cannidate you are for the operation and how the doctors feel about how much it can help you.  After my operation I did not see a totle reduction but with meds its down to about one every four years to not at all.  I went through years of trial and error with meds untill I was eightteen and my doctor who was very highly active in the creation of this operation at UCLA recomended me as a canidate for the operation.  So for me I just happend to have the right doctor at the right time as this experimental operation was going on as it was at the time,but as of today I think it is done

[McMurrian Glenn]

If you are refurring to the brain surgery for epilepsy yes I did have it done and I can say for sure that it went from 2 to 3 a month to four to five a day from the age 15 to 18 depending on the stress level that was going on with 4 being the most common amount.  It is done for all type of siezures that cannot be controled with meds and it depends on what kind of cannidate you are for the operation and how the doctors feel about how much it can help you.  After my operation I did not see a totle reduction but with meds its down to about one every four years to not at all.  I went through years of trial and error with meds untill I was eightteen and my doctor who was very highly active in the creation of this operation at UCLA recomended me as a canidate for the operation.  So for me I just happend to have the right doctor at the right time as this experimental operation was going on as it was at the time,but as of today I think it is

[Joy Gangadharan]

Hi craig,

Thanks for sharing the info and I guess it's worth a try if my neurologist gives the nod. Very often due to the changes in drugs, the side effects shows off distinctly. The difficult part is to explain to the neurologist about the side effects, for they seldom understand what the patient undergoes as it is all related to the brain. Seizures vary and so do the side-effects depending on the patients body chemistry. There were times when I experienced suicidal tendencies. Speech was hampered to a great extent and I could not even sign a cheque leaf. I gradually lost total control over my movements and used to fall whenever I climbed stairs. Weight gain of 16 kgs in 8 months was disturbing. I wish I could sue the docs here in Bombay, India. The docs get away easily due to lack of strict laws yet to be imposed on the medical fraternity. U gotta be lucky to get a doctor with ethics here in Bombay. All indian docs are very well qualified and have enough experience in UK and US during their post graduation there. But on returning to India, its the moolah that counts. They can easily earn much more than what they earn anywhere abroad. And a city like Bombay is where they go for the kill. But all these drawbacks is applicable to majority of the upcoming docs. Those grand old professionals with ethics still exist.

I'll definitely go 4 the VNS as I do not want my 2 month old baby to grow up watching his dad in a helpless situation. My wife dread those moments and have put on a brave front. I've been suffering from this dreaded disease for past 20 yrs since age 13.

Thanx once again.

Due regards..............joy

[Joy Gangadharan]

My doctor has advised me against any operation due to multiple injuries which means high risk. Moreover with regards to my wife and a 2 month old baby, going for an operation could demand highly skilled professionals who seem confident enough. I have always been brave enough to go forward with an operation if that could cure me of this dreaded disease.

Thx for the info shared

due regards .............

--joy

[cjohn...@new.rr.com]

Joy

I am surprized that any doctor would not do anything within their power
to relieve you of having seizures. The VNS surgery is a relatively
easy surgery, and the studies on those who have had them implanted are
extremely positive. What kind and how many seizures do you have a
month? What medicines does he have you on? Even with the implant I am
still taking seizure meds but they have no side effects other than
making me a little tired.

Craig