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Vagus Nerve Stimulator services offered in Katy, TX
If medication doesn’t control your seizures, it’s time to learn if you’re a candidate for a Vagus nerve stimulator (VNS). Sadia Yasser, MD, and the team at Advanced Neurology of Katy specialize in vagus nerve stimulation. This innovative treatment slows or stops seizures by calming brain activity. Call our office today or book an appointment online to learn more about how VNS can improve your well-being.
What is a vagus nerve stimulator?
A vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) sends mild electrical pulses into the brain through the vagus nerves. The electrical stimulation improves epileptic seizures and other conditions by regulating nerve activity and boosting neurotransmitters (brain chemicals).
What conditions does a vagus nerve stimulator treat?
Vagus nerve stimulation is FDA-approved to treat drug resistent epilepsy. Sending electrical impulses through the vagus nerves regulates areas in the brain likely to cause seizures (chaotic, rapid-firing electrical activity). The treatment appears to prevent or reduce the frequency of seizures by:
- Regulating the chaotic electrical pattern
- Improving blood flow to the brain
- Increase neurotransmitters
Your Advanced Neurology of Katy provider could recommend vagus nerve stimulation if medication alone hasn’t controlled your seizures. The treatment works best for focal epilepsy (seizures occurring in one area of the brain). But your provider could consider it for generalized epilepsy.
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How is a vagus nerve stimulator implanted?
You have two vagus nerves running from the lower brain through your neck, chest, and abdomen.
However, when using a vagus nerve stimulator to treat conditions like epilepsy, your provider targets the nerve on the left side of your neck and uses it to transmit electrical impulses to your brain.
Your provider Implants a pulse generator under the skin on the left side of your chest. They guide a lead wire from the generator to the vagus nerve. Then, they program the generator to send an electrical pulse at regular intervals.
If you have treatment-resistant epilepsy, a vagus nerve stimulator might help control your seizures. Schedule an appointment today by calling the office or requesting an appointment online.