In addition to medications and diets, some other therapies for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
(LGS) have benefited children. One such treatment is called vagus nerve stimulation
(or simply VNS). In this therapy, an implant sends small electrical impulses to
the brain to help control seizures.
Vagus nerve stimulation
The vagus nerve is a large nerve in the neck. In vagus nerve stimulation (VNS),
short bursts of electrical energy are directed into the brain through the vagus
nerve. The energy comes from a battery that is surgically implanted under the skin
– usually in the chest. The procedure takes 50-90 minutes with the patient under
general anesthesia.71
The battery is programmed to deliver small stimulations to the vagus nerve every
few minutes.72 Like a pacemaker for the brain. Holding a special magnet
over the device can allow users to stimulate the vagus nerve as needed, such as
when an "aura" presents itself before a seizure.73
In three small, published studies, selected patients were given VNS therapy as an
adjunctive therapy in addition to antiepileptic medication. Approximately three-fourths
of patients with LGS experienced more than a 50% reduction in seizure frequency
with a follow-up period as long as 5 years.74
How VNS therapy works to prevent seizures is being studied.75
Cyberonics, the maker of the VNS implant, has more information about VNS therapy
on their Web site.
References
71 Schachter, Steven C. MD. "Vagus Nerve Stimulation." Epilepsy.com
December 15, 2006. Web. Accessed September 2, 2009. http://www.epilepsy.com/epilepsy/vns
72 Epilepsy Foundation. "Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy." Web. Accessed
August 21, 2009. http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/answerplace/Medical/treatment/vns/index.cfm
73 Schachter, Steven C. MD. "Vagus Nerve Stimulation." Epilepsy.com
December 15, 2006. Web. Accessed September 2, 2009. http://www.epilepsy.com/epilepsy/vns
74 Glauser, Tracy A. MD. "Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome: Treatment and Medication."
eMedicine. April 10, 2006. Web. Accessed August 21, 2009. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1176735-treatment
75 Epilepsy Foundation. "Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy." Web. Accessed
August 21, 2009. http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/answerplace/Medical/treatment/vns/index.cfm