Vagus Nerve Stimulation is a non-drug treatment for epilepsy that utilizes the vagus nerve to send signals to the brain. The vagus nerve, the longest cranial nerve, travels from the brainstem, down the neck, into the chest and abdomen to influence activity in many organs.

When a patient has a VNS device implanted, small electrical signals are sent from the device to the vagus nerve and travel up into the brain. The device is programmed by the doctor to deliver these signals (or "stimulate") at periodic intervals. Initially, stimulation is usually set to occur 30 seconds every five minutes. The doctor then adjusts these parameters according to patient tolerance and seizure response in follow up visits.

The patient also has a degree of control over the VNS. Each patient receives a magnet that activates the device. When the patient or caregiver "swipes" over the device with the magnet, the VNS turns "on" and delivers a stimulus. This allows a patient who feels an aura coming on, or a caregiver who sees the start of a seizure, to try to stop the seizure.