If the Epilepsy Board determines surgical removal of brain tissue is not the best treatment option, they may recommend implantation of a vagal nerve stimulation device.
Vagal Nerve Stimulation
The vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) device is implanted beneath the collarbone during a one-hour outpatient surgery and delivers small pulses of electrical current to the vagus nerve--one of the major nerves running along the neck. Approximately 50% of recipients experience a reduction in the number and severity of seizures after surgery. Children's pioneered clinical trials of the VNS and our neurosurgeons have performed more than 500 VNS operations, making us one of the most experienced VNS centers in the world. VNS is an option for children with intractable epilepsy who are not eligible for brain surgery. It can also be very helpful for patients who have trouble following a medication routine or have severe side effects from multiple medications.
Children's Hospital Boston is the primary pediatric teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School
