TRAINING MODULE Vagus Nerve Stimulation

What is Vagus Nerve Stimulation? Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS Therapy®) is designed to prevent seizures by sending regular, mild pulses of electrical energy to the brain via the vagus nerve. These pulses are supplied by a device something like a pacemaker.

What is a VNS Continued The VNS device is sometimes referred to as a "pacemaker for the brain." It is placed under the skin on the chest wall and a wire runs from it to the vagus nerve in the neck.

What is a VNS Continued The vagus nerve is part of the autonomic nervous system, which controls functions of the body that are not under voluntary control, such as the heart rate. The vagus nerve passes through the neck as it travels between the chest and abdomen and the lower part of the brain.

How to use a magnet with a VNS To use the magnet to stop a seizure:  Swipe the magnet across the generator in the chest area, by counting "one-one thousand-one". Usually stimulation that is triggered lasts 30 to 60 seconds, depending on how your health care professional programmed it.  If the seizure is still going on after a minute, you can use it again.

How to use a Magnet Continued  While there is no specific number of times to use it, usually the seizure is over after 1 or 2 swipes. If the seizure is still going on 2 to 3 minutes later, you may want to move onto the next step. For example, sometimes people are told to take a rescue medication if a seizure lasts a certain amount of time.

Possible Side Effects The vagus nerve stimulator is considered safe. Mild side effects occur in some people when the device stimulates the nerve. The most common side effects include:  Coughing.  Throat pain.  Hoarseness or slight voice changes.  Shortness of breath.  Headache

Side Effects Continued  Insomnia  General pain  Indigestion  Impaired sense of touch  Prickling or tingling of the skin  In children, vagus nerve stimulation may cause increased hyperactivity.

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References stimulation-vns