How to Use a VNS for Seizures

VNS, also known as vagus nerve stimulation, is a form of therapy sometimes used to treat seizures, especially when other forms of therapy, like medications, fail to work. Mostly, it is performed for people suffering from partial seizures rather than full seizures, according to the Epilepsy Foundation. What happens is an electrical pulse is delivered into the vagus nerve (a nerve in the neck), which transports the stimulus into the brain, potentially preventing a seizure from taking place.

Things You'll Need

• VNS device
• Magnet

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Request your doctor's consent to take part vagus nerve stimulation therapy. Ask whether this form of therapy is an appropriate for your particular condition.

• 2

  Have the VNS device surgically implanted in your chest. (It's approximately the size of a silver dollar, so it won't be too noticeable.)

• 3

  Carry on about your day as you wear the VNS device. The VNS device is typically programmed to emit an electrical pulse into the vagus nerve at regular intervals. The electrical pulse is so small that you shouldn't feel it.

• 4

  Wave a magnet over the device when you feel a seizure coming on. According to the Epilepsy Foundation, this should stop the seizure.