Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) is an exciting new technique available at the Weill Cornell Epilepsy Center. This surgical procedure, designed to treat poorly controlled seizures by reducing their frequency and severity, does not involve surgery on the brain.

The vagus nerve serves as one of many highways of information carrying messages to and from the brain. Because of its many connections to areas in the brain, the vagus nerve can be a key target for treating seizure tendencies. Studies have shown that by stimulating the vagus nerve, the brain's potential to generate or spread abnormal seizure activity can be reduced. These important findings led researchers to create a small, pacemaker-like device that stimulates the vagus nerve in the side of the neck with a small amount of electrical current on a regular, programmed basis with the aim of reducing seizure frequency and severity.

In an operation that takes approximately two hours, the small (approximately the size of a small tape measure) 'pacemaker device' produced by Cyberonics, Inc. is implanted under the skin in the upper left chest. A connecting wire, also implanted under the skin, connects this 'pacemaker' to the vagus nerve. Following implantation, the vagal nerve stimulator is programmed to automatically deliver stimulation on a regular, frequent basis (usually every few minutes), around the clock.

After extensive clinical trials, VNS is FDA approved, and is available at specialized epilepsy centers such as ours. The Weill Cornell Epilepsy Center at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill-Cornell Medical Center is the most active and experienced center with VNS treatment in the Mid-Atlantic region. While most clinical trials for VNS focused on patients with partial seizures, our experience here at the Weill Cornell Epilepsy Center suggests that VNS is extremely helpful for generalized epilepsies as well. Clinical trials currently in progress are testing different stimulation frequencies and settings to determine those that will achieve the best seizure control.

For further information about vagal nerve stimulation or other exciting treatment options:

Contact


Douglas Labar, MD, PhD
Director, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center
(212) 746-2359
epilepsy@med.cornell.edu

Theodore Schwartz MD, Director,
Center for Epilepsy Surgery
(212) 746-5620
epilepsy@med.cornell.edu