Here's what I found about VNS...



Vagus Nerve Stimulator
Showing Positive Results With
Seizure Management

There are many forms of treatment for epilepsy. The
VNS (vagus nerve stimulator) has been developed for
epilepsy patients who are not candidates for surgery
and whose intractable seizures are not managed with
anti-seizure medications.
Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration,
the VNS was developed by Cyberonics, Inc. Dr William
Agnew at Huntington Medical Research Institutes was
instrumental in its early phases of development.
The vagus nerve is one of the primary communication
lines from the major organs of the body to the neck to
the vagus nerve. Stimulation of the vagus nerve can
stop seizures, reduce the intensity and frequency of
seizures in some patients. The VNS periodically
stimulates the vagus nerve, usually for a brief
period.
The VNS is an implanted pacemaker-size stimulator. It
has a wire lead that attaches to the vagus nerve by
means of an incision. The incision is made on a
naturally occurring crease on the neck, thereby making
the healed scar practically invisible. The procedure
takes a few hours and the patient is usually released
from the hospital on the next day. After the patient
stabilizes, the physician uses a wand to activate the
VNS.
Since 1997, there have been a number of medically
intractable patients showing promising results in
managing their seizures through the VNS.
In a recent patient study conducted by Dr. Roger Huf
and Dr. Adam Mamelak, VNS is showing positive effect
in a patient population living in residential
treatment facilities (RTF) as a result of reduced
seizure severity with VNS. Improvements in alertness,
mood, attitude, verbal communication skills, memory
and school performance were noted in their patients.
Preliminary findings indicate that VNS stimulation
seems to become more effective over time and has
helped improve the patient's quality of life.
Many patients on VNS have also experienced reduction
and/or discontinuation of anti-seizure medications.
Recent information indicates that some concurrent
anti-seizure medications may be reduced during VNS
therapy.
After having a seizure, some patients before
implantation of the VNS would spend the remainder of
the day recovering in bed. Since implantation, the
postictal period has improved so that patients are
able to resume activities within a short time.
Improved eating habits have enabled several seriously
underweight patients gain weight. As a result of its
effectiveness, 57% of the patients have had their
anti-epileptic medications reduced or discontinued.
These interim results show decreased seizure
frequency, improved quality of life, and reduced and
discontinued AEDs.
*******************

From someone who's just finding out about this
therapy... it's benefits sound wonderful. I see why
there is hesitation as it includes surgery and an
implanted device in the neck. Wow! What a heavy
decision to make.

I have no idea how long and what you've tried in the
process but if I was just finding out about possible
therapies for my son, I would exhaust everything else
before surgery. Maybe you have and I'm sure your are
not just finding out. I just say that because that's
the only perspective I can give - if my son had
symptoms and I was just searching therapies.

I've had great success with cleansing and nourishing
the body. Along those lines, I would be looking for
ways to activate that nerve naturally. Through my
iridologist, Paul Leatham, I have learned cleansing
the body and building the systems (like the nervous
system) is the best source of long lasting health. We
did just that with my son's autism. Nerves played a
big part - full body and concentrated in the brain.
We followed the iridologist's program and my son is no
longer autisic.

There is also a wonderful Chinese therapy called
Cupping. Glass cups are placed on the body, a suction
is made and the cups are moved along the body to
activate organs and systems. Once activated, they
cleanse and rebuild. I've heard of great success with
this therapy and it's easy to learn to do.

I can be way off base here. I'd like you to know
there is so much more out there. So many types of
therapies. If you've done that work and feel good
about your decision, I support you. If you feel you
are up to looking more, I support you too.

I know us moms go thru every thing and do it again 10
times more. My most important advise is listen to
your mom instinct. Whatever, where ever it is sending
you, feel confident about it and go forward happily.

Love, Terry


--- MJH <nightskies869@...> wrote:

> I coppied the post before from a site VNS Theraphy
> have others if anyone wants to see them.
> Could not write anything with what I copied through
> for some reason.
> Doctors have talked about doing this for Mat for
> several years but refused to till he would turn 12,
> now they are willing to go ahead even though he will
> not be 12 until Aug. Chris is hedging, I think she
> should go for it, but it is not up to me. I know
> she is going to do it, but waiting, not sure why.
> If going to do it, I say get it done. Still thought
> I'd see what others thought, of if anyone else has
> been through this.
>
>
> Maggie
> nightskies
>
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: Donna Bateman <donna.bateman@...>
> To: BrainInjuredChild@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2008 9:27:02 AM
> Subject: Re: [B.I.Child] VNS Theraphy
>
> Maggie,
> What is VNS therapy?
>
>
> On Jan 23, 2008 8:15 AM, MJH
> <nightskies869@...> wrote:
>
>
> Does any one know someone who has tried VNS
> theraphy for seizuries?
> Doctors are wanting to do this with my grandso Matt.
> from what I have found it sounds good, but am
> still looking for more info for my daughter to
> consider before she makes up her mind.
>
> Maggie
> nightskies
>
>
>
>
>
> Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage.
>
>
>
> --
> Donna Bateman
> Neurodevelopmental Specialist
> www.parentswithpurpose.com
> Mom to Clark 23, Katy 21, Preston 18, Annie 16, Kent
> 14, Callie 11 (cured from dyslexia), Carson 9,
> Dawson 7 (brain injured--was severe now mild!)
>
>
>
>
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