The NYU Comprehensive Epilepsy Program has implanted more than 500 vagal nerve stimulators. We continue to be very active and presently typically implant 2-3 devices per month. The results of our experience to date are being analyzed and are available in the surgical results section. Click here (need updates on surgical data) for more information.

Who is eligible for VNS surgery?

The vagus nerve stimulator was approved by the FDA for use in patients with refractory partial epilepsy who are 12 years of age or older. It was also approved for use in patients with refractory depression. Many centers have successfully used the device in younger children (as young as 1 year of age) and in patients with primary generalized epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Landau-Kleffner syndrome, and other seizure disorders.

Are there any risks involved?

The risks of implantation are low and mostly include the minor surgical risks of bleeding or infection (about 1–2%). Less than 1% of implants cause some damage to the nerve supplying muscles in the voice box, which can result in intermittent hoarseness or a change in voice quality. This typically improves within a few months.

What are the side effects of vagal nerve stimulation?

At first, patients may notice a tingling in the neck during the 30 or so seconds that the stimulator is "on." In addition, when the vagus nerve is stimulated, about one third of patients have some change in their voice quality, which is reversible by reducing the amount of stimulation or adjusting other stimulation features. Even without any change in the level of stimulation, the hoarseness and changes in voice quality tend to diminish and resolve over several weeks or months. Rare side effects include change in swallowing (usually during stimulation), cough or shortness of breath.

What is the success rate of VNS therapy?

Studies have shown that:

• About 1/3 of patients have had the number of their seizures reduced by half or more; less than 5% of patients become seizure free
• About 1/3 have shown benefit but have had their seizure frequency reduced by less than half
• About 1/3 have had no worthwhile benefit