Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)

What is Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)?

CATEGORY: Procedures

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an adjunctive treatment for certain types of intractable epilepsy and major depression. VNS uses an implanted stimulator that sends electric impulses to the left vagus nerve in the neck via a lead wire implanted under the skin.

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How do members experience Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)?

Top 5 reported purposes & perceived effectiveness

Purpose Patients Evaluations Perceived Effectiveness
Epilepsy 105 97
Seizures (grand mal or tonic-clonic) 42 21
Seizures (complex partial) 35 65
Major depressive disorder 9 4
Depressed mood 8 6

Common side effects

Side effect Patients Percentage
Voice changes 7
Hoarseness 4
Difficulty projecting voice 3
Neck pain 3
Raspy voice 3
Chest pain 2

Side effect severity

Side effects as an overall problem
Severity Evaluations Percentage
Severe 9
Moderate 25
Mild 57
None 48

Member evaluations

SarahW

evaluated on Mar 17, 2010

  • Perceived effectiveness for epilepsy: Major
  • Side effects: Moderate

Sherlock221B

evaluated on Mar 11, 2010

  • Perceived effectiveness for seizures (grand mal or tonic-clonic): Major
  • Side effects: Severe

Mickey Wayne

evaluated on Jan 05, 2009

  • Perceived effectiveness for epilepsy: Major
  • Side effects: None
Learn more about our community’s experience with Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)

What are people saying about Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)?

277

277

members have reported taking Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)

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