Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) revives the vagus nerve in your neck with an implanted device. The electric impulse goes to your brain, which is distributed to various locations to affect how brain cells function. White Rock VNS is licensed to treat difficult-to-control epilepsy, and depression and as a stroke rehabilitation assistant. It is unknown how VNS operates. However, the vagus nerve is acknowledged to be a key conduit to the brain. Electrical energy is supposed to be released upward into a vast region of the brain by activating the vagus nerve, interrupting the aberrant brain activity responsible for seizures. According to another theory, stimulating the vagus nerve triggers the production of particular brain chemicals that reduce seizure activity.
Understanding VNS
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a treatment method for epilepsy. It entails implanting a pacemaker-like device that generates electrical pulses to stimulate the vagus nerve. Also, the vagus nerve is one of 12 cranial nerves, which are paired nerves that connect to the brain’s undersurface and transport information to and from the brain. Cranial nerve fibers transmit signals from the brain to other brain areas and numerous bodily structures, primarily in the head and neck. The vagus nerve also links to organs in the chest and abdomen.
Conditions that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) treat
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) of the United States has authorized vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) to treat three medical disorders.
- VNS is licensed for use in epilepsy as an add-on therapy for focal (partial) seizures in adults and youngsters four years of age and older when drugs have failed to control their seizures.
- VNS is approved for the treatment of depression in individuals 18 years of age and older who have long-term or recurrent (recurring) severe depression that has not responded to four or more antidepressant medications.
- VNS is licensed for use in stroke rehabilitation as an adjunct to rehabilitation treatment for persons with moderate to a severe loss of arm and hand function due to an ischemic (blocked blood flow) stroke.
Are all VNS (vagus nerve stimulators) implantable devices?
No. External or commercial VNS devices are available. These external devices, however, cannot match the frequencies and voltages utilized in implanted devices. The electrical signals they generate must travel via your skin and neck muscles. Because an external gadget is not tied to your real nerve, they are not accurate enough to access and manage the unique activity of your vagus nerve. The long-term implications of commercial VNS devices are not entirely understood. If you are interested in commercial VNS devices, you should consult a healthcare physician specializing in this field.
Risks of VNS
VNS risks are damage to the vagus nerve or surrounding blood vessels such as the carotid artery and jugular vein. Furthermore, each surgical operation carries dangers such as infection, bleeding, and adverse response to the anesthesia.
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) sends modest electrical pulses to your vagus nerve, which subsequently goes to your brain through an implanted device. If you experience difficult-to-control focal seizures, depression, or restricted upper arm mobility after a stroke, ask your doctor if VNS could be a possibility for you. Call RHBNeuro to schedule your consultation today to determine whether the VNS procedure suits you.
