Transform Your Epilepsy Treatment: Vagus Nerve Stimulation Surgery for Lasting Relief

Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS), epilepsy pacemaker, is a treatment for epilepsy and depression that involves implanting a small device under the skin in the chest. This device sends mild electrical pulses to the vagus nerve, which then stimulates the brain. VNS helps reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in people with epilepsy and can also improve mood in patients with treatment-resistant depression.

Treatment Program

**Your personal treatment plan will be determined after consulting with your doctor. The general program is as follows.

STEP 1

• Welcoming at the airport and VIP transfer to the hospital/or hotel based on your personal treatment plan
• You will have a dedicated personal assistant 24/7 to assist you on each step of your journery

STEP 2

• Hospital admission or Hotel chek-in
• Interview with your expert physician
• Get the medical tests recommended by your doctor

STEP 3

• Pre-operative preparations, including fasting and medication adjustments
• Receive the results of your medical tests
• Operation is performed based on the medical test results

STEP 4

• Post-operative care continues in the hospital under medical supervision

STEP 5

• Discharge from hospital on the day your doctor recommended after the controls by your doctor
• VIP transfer to the hotel

STEP 6

• Continue the recovery process at hotel
• VIP transfers from hotel to hospital and from hospital to hotel for follow-up visits on the days determined by your doctor
• VIP transfer from hotel to airport when your treatment program is completed

Who would be an ideal candidate for Vagus Nerve Stimulation?

An ideal candidate is a patient with drug-resistant epilepsy, meaning their seizures cannot be controlled by medications. These patients often experience frequent, severe seizures that significantly impact their quality of life and that of their families. VNS is considered for those who are not suitable candidates for open brain surgery. Candidates are typically evaluated by a team of specialists, including neurologists, neurosurgeons, and radiologists, to determine if VNS is the right treatment option.

Your doctor will give you the most accurate guidance after the consultation.

What are Vagus Nerve Stimulation Benefits?

• Seizure Reduction: VNS can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.
• Improved Quality of Life: By controlling seizures, VNS can help patients regain independence and improve daily functioning.
• Minimal Invasiveness: The procedure involves a small implanted device, making it less invasive than traditional brain surgery.
• Mood Improvement: VNS has been shown to help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression, especially in patients with treatment-resistant depression.
• Long-Term Effectiveness: Many patients experience ongoing benefits over time, with the potential for continued seizure control and better overall health.

How Vagus Nerve Stimulation Work?

VNS is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require open brain surgery. During the surgery, a small cable is inserted into the vagus nerve in the neck through a short incision. A pocket is then created in the chest area to place the battery, or neurostimulator. The device sends electrical pulses to the vagus nerve, which helps regulate brain activity and reduce seizures.

The procedure typically lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours and does not restrict the patient's quality of life. Most patients are able to walk and resume normal activities just 2-3 hours after the surgery.

Do seizures stop completely after the battery is inserted?

No, the goal of the surgery is not to stop seizures completely, but to improve the patient’s quality of life. The aim is to reduce the number, severity, and duration of seizures, as well as to help the patient recover faster after a seizure.

This treatment has been used for over 30 years. If the number and duration of seizures are reduced by half within the first year after surgery, it’s considered a success. The typical goal is to achieve at least a 50% reduction in seizures.

Risks and Side Effects of Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS):

While VNS is generally safe, there are some risks and side effects, including:

Surgical Risks:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Nerve injury
• Swelling or pain around the implant site

Side Effects:

• Hoarseness or changes in voice
• Throat discomfort or coughing
• Shortness of breath (especially during stimulation)
• Tingling or a "tickling" sensation in the throat
• Skin irritation at the implant site

These side effects are usually mild and can be adjusted by altering the device’s settings. Most patients adjust to the device over time.