Before You Consider VNS Therapy
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is approved by the FDA as an option to treat epilepsy and treatment-resistant depression. However, experts at University of Utah Health recommend you get a thorough evaluation for surgery from your neurologist first. You'll work with your neurologist and health care team to determine which surgery is best for you.
Benefits of Vagus Nerve Stimulation
You will experience the following benefits:
- Reduce the length and severity of seizures
- Improve your mood
- Improve your overall quality of life
Keep in mind that VNS therapy is not a cure for movement disorders or other conditions.
What Is the Vagus Nerve?
Most people don’t know the vagus nerve by name. It runs from the base of your brain, through your neck and down each side of your body. (Vagus means wandering in Latin.)
The vagus nerve plays a role in several key functions:
- Heart rate
- Breath
- Ability to relax
It’s even responsible for “gut feelings” because it tells your brain how your body’s organs are doing at any given time. The mind-body connection is very real.
Vagus Nerve Disorders
There are many health problems linked with vagus nerve:
- Obesity
- Anxiety
- Mood disorders such as treatment-resistant depression
- Bradycardia
- Gastrointestinal diseases
- Chronic inflammation
- Fainting
- Seizures (epileptic and non-epileptic)
Step 1: Vagus Nerve Stimulator Surgery
You will need surgery to implant the vagus nerve stimulator. The entire procedure is relatively quick. You will be able to go home on the same day as your procedure.
Your neurosurgeon will perform the following steps throughout your surgery:
- Use general anesthesia to make you comfortable.
- Make an incision (cut) in the left side of your neck to attach a spiral-shaped electrode around the nerve.
- Make a second incision in your chest to implant a pacemaker called a pulse generator or vagus nerve stimulator.
There are no incisions on your head.
Step 2: VNS Device Programming
You’ll return to the hospital a few weeks after surgery. You'll meet with your neurologist who will program the VNS device to deliver electric impulses in regular intervals to your brain. For example, your neurologist may set the device to send electric impulses to your vagus nerve for 30 seconds on and off for five minutes.
Vagus Nerve Stimulator Magnet
The pulse generator won’t detect seizures. You'll need to use a special magnet to manually start the device if you feel a seizure coming. You can also use the magnet to turn off your VNS device.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation Side Effects
You may experience the following side effects as the device sends electrical impulses:
- Temporary voice hoarseness
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Slight neck pain and/or sore throat
Find a VNS Specialist
Next Steps
VNS Therapy for Epilepsy
You will need to get a referral from your primary care provider or epileptologist from our Epilepsy Clinic to be evaluated for vagus nerve stimulation for epilepsy.
VNS Therapy for Depression
If you're interested in VNS therapy for treatment-resistant depression, you will need to fill out a screening form and get a referral from your primary care provider or psychiatrist to be evaluated for our psychiatric neurosurgery program.
