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VNS - Treatment of Seizure Disorders and
Treatement-Resistant Depression with Vagus Nerve Stimulation
The FDA has approved Vagus Nerve
Stimulation for the treatment of seizure disorders, both generalized
and complex partial seizures, and TRD, or Treatment-Resistant
Depression.
The VNS Therapy System is made by Cyberonics,
a company that Hardy Healthcare has no contractual
agreement with nor any investment in. The device operates
somewhat like a heart pacemaker in that it delivers pulses of
electricity to the vagus nerve according to the patient's
individualized need. The patient can also activate additional
stimulation when they feel a seizure coming on. The vagus
nerve, one of the longest nerves in the body, passes directly from
the stomach to the brain. Anyone with migraine headaches knows
about this direct-connect because vomiting is a frequent occurrance
associated with migraine and individuals with complex partial
seizures know that nausea often accompanies their seizures.
Vagus nerve stimulation is recommended for those who have not been
sufficiently helped by anticonvulsant or antidepression medication,
or who cannot take medication at all.
It is thought that because of the direct
connection to the brain, stimulating the vagus nerve with electrical
charges interrupts nerve impulses in the brain that would otherwise
cause seizures. Its mechanism of action in depression is less
well understood. Treatment involves the placement of a small
device just under the skin near the collarbone. The device
attaches by a wire to the vagus nerve which passes nearby.
After initial implantation of the device by a surgeon, the treatment
consists of visits to the neurologist, in this case Dr. Hardy, for
the adjustment of the settings. Regular follow-up appointments
assure the consistent good functioning of the patient and the unit.
This treatment method is not for everyone but
for those who have not been helped by more traditional methods it
can provide varying degrees of improvement in quality of life.
For more information about VNS Therapy please
visit the following websites:
Cyberonics
Patient Information Pages
FDA
Information on Approval for TRD
FDA Information on
Approval for Epilepsy
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