VNS Therapy for the treatment of epilepsy

Abstract

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS Therapy) for the treatment of drug resistant epilepsy was CE marked in 1994 and approved in the US in 1997. This chapter will review the history of the treatment, mechanisms of action, and the technology involved, including programming. Efficacy, selection of candidates, initiation of therapy, and maintenance therapy will also be covered. Finally, complications and adverse events, strengths and limitations, and other vagus nerve stimulation devices will be discussed.