Vagus nerve stimulator as a treatment for intractable epilepsy.
Vagus nerve stimulation was recently approved for control of medically intractable seizures. This therapy provides some relief of seizures for selective patients, however seizure freedom using this device is uncommon. Vagus nerve stimulation appears to work by calming "hyperexcited" nerve cells and reverting brain activity to its normal patterns. Many people do have significant relief in the intensity and duration of their seizures and report improved quality of life using this device.
Snively
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Seizure Surgery Program, Shands Hospital, University of Florida, USA.
Counsell
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Lilly
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D000328:Adult; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D018579:Patient Selection; D011788:Quality of Life; D017211:Treatment Failure; D014630:Vagus Nerve