Vagus nerve stimulation
About this test
Vagus nerve stimulation involves using a device to stimulate the vagus nerve with electrical impulses. There's one vagus nerve on each side of your body. The vagus nerve runs from the lower part of the brain through the neck to the chest and stomach. When the vagus nerve is stimulated, electrical impulses travel to areas of the brain. This alters brain activity to treat certain conditions.
Why it's done
A variety of conditions can be treated with implantable vagus nerve stimulation devices.
Risks and complications
Having a vagus nerve stimulator implanted is safe for most people. But it does have some risks, both from the surgery to implant the device and from the brain stimulation.
How to prepare
It's important to carefully consider the pluses and minuses of implanted vagus nerve stimulation before having the procedure. Make sure you know all of your other treatment choices. Be sure that you and your health care provider feel that implanted vagus nerve stimulation is the best option for you. Ask your provider exactly what to expect during surgery and after the pulse generator is in place.
Understanding your results
If you had the device implanted for epilepsy, it's important to understand that vagus nerve stimulation isn't a cure. Most people with epilepsy won't stop having seizures. They'll also likely continue taking epilepsy medicine after the procedure. But many might have fewer seizures — up to 50% fewer. The seizures also may be less intense. It can take months or even a year or longer of stimulation before you notice any significant reduction in seizures. Vagus nerve stimulation also may shorten the recovery time after a seizure. People who have had vagus nerve stimulation to treat epilepsy may experience improvements in mood and quality of life. Research on the benefits of implanted vagus nerve stimulation for the treatment of depression is ongoing. Some studies suggest the benefits of vagus nerve stimulation for depression build over time. It may take at least several months of treatment before you notice any improvements in depression symptoms. Implanted vagus nerve stimulation doesn't work for everybody, and it isn't intended to replace traditional treatments. Studies have found that vagus nerve stimulation paired with rehabilitation helped improve function in people who had a stroke. It also may help people who have problems with thinking and swallowing after a stroke. Research is ongoing. Some health insurance carriers may not pay for this procedure. Studies of implanted vagus nerve stimulation as a treatment for conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel conditions and heart failure have been too small to draw any definitive conclusions. More research is needed.
Disclaimer: August is a health information platform and its responses don't constitute medical advise. Always consult with a licenced medical professional near you before making any changes.