Connect with others who understand.

Sign up Log in
Resources
About MyEpilepsyTeam
Powered By
Real members of MyEpilepsyTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Regarding VNS Implants I Have Some Questions...

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Lakeville, MA

Passing along question from Kenneth Clark to those of you who have had VNS implants: I am getting ready to have my second brain surgery and they are talking about putting the VNS in me. I was wondering if someone could tell me more about it and if it works. I kinda like the idea of the computer chip implant one (RNS) instead of having the VNS. Can anyone help? Thanks!

July 12, 2021
View reactions
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

You Should Probably Go With What Your Doctor Is Advising You To Do, I'm Sure He Wouldn't Tell You Something That Would Be Counterproductive. He Knows Your Case Better Than Anyone Other Than YOU And I Assume You Trust Him Completely. If You Feel Your Provider Is NOT Giving You The Information That Is Best For You Then Maybe You Should Consider Finding A New Neurologist.

July 26, 2021
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

The vns is implemented in the left side of Your body above Your rib cage, not exactly above Your heart. The nerve is basically on the left side of Your neck under Your jaw bone. After the vns is implanted people are given magnets a rectangular one maybe 2 inches long and half an inch thick, the other is called the horseshoe magnet. That one is in the shape of a horseshoe that is thicker and is a more powerful magnet. Both fit into a pocket. Sliding the magnet where the vns is implanted turns it on and You feel a pinch in Your neck where the nerve is. That may stop a seizure, lower the strength of the feeling of a seizure etc.

July 13, 2021
Sponsored Content
Learn more about VNS Therapy Read more >
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I wouldn’t change having my VNS put in for anything! It’s helped me so much, both frequency of seizures, and especially recovery time. It used to take me hours to recover… now it’s minutes! @A MyEpilepsyTeam Member I’m a singer, and yeah, I don’t sing in public much anymore. If I do, I always figure out a way to switch to alto so people won’t notice as much! 😂😂

March 26, 2023
Sponsored Content
Learn more about VNS Therapy Read more >
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I had the VNS for a couple of years. It seemed to help for a little while but then stopped for me unfortunately. I don't regret having it done at all though, I am happy I gave it a shot. I have said many times, it is reversible, brain surgery is not! I've had the implant removed, I'm able to have any MRI on any part of my body. There is a tiny bit of wire around my vagus nerve but the implant I had was MRI safe, I just let the MRI tech and radiologists know beforehand, so when they see it on the scan they know what it is.

August 6, 2021
Sponsored Content
Learn more about VNS Therapy Read more >
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I think that The MotleyMan made a VERY good point----follow your doctors' advice. He/She knows what is best for you. We don't.

July 27, 2021
Sponsored Content
Learn more about VNS Therapy Read more >

Related content

View All

The FDA Published This: Https://www.theepochtimes.com/health/fda-warning-drug-used-by-2-million-americans-has-fatal-side-effect-(Phone Number Can Only Be Seen By MyEpilepsyTeam Users)

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
San Diego, CA

Is Anyone Taking Xcopri? What Are Your Thoughts?

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Sioux Falls, SD

Would You Say You Were Raised Sheltered. Did You Feel Growing Up Sheltered, Or Caged. (I Felt Caged.)

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Pikesville, MD
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data Policy and Privacy policies.Your privacy is our priority Lock Icon
Already a Member? Log in