Could VNS Therapy be Right for You? | LivaNova UK

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Patients & Caregivers Healthcare Providers

David is a real patient with VNS Therapy

Exploring Different Treatment Options

35% of people with seizures have the type that is resistant to treatment with medication alone. This is known as drug-resistant epilepsy.

When seizures continue after trying two appropriately prescribed medications, it is unlikely that seizure freedom will be achieved with additional drugs.

An alternative treatment option such as VNS Therapy - designed for people with drug-resistant epilepsy, can help overcome the burden of uncontrolled seizures.

More Seizure-Free Moments

The goals when treating drug-resistant epilepsy are to enhance quality of life by optimizing long-term seizure control, minimizing side effects, and decreasing seizure severity.

VNS Therapy is used for children and adults with partial and generalized seizures which cannot be controlled by medication alone.

Could VNS Therapy be right for you or your loved one?

Take Suitability Assessment

Doctor talking to a patient about VNS Therapy

Doctor Discussion Guide

Studies have shown that adding more medications is not likely to control this kind of epilepsy. But despite this data and what we know about the risks of living with drug-resistant epilepsy, many people continue to be prescribed multiple medications instead of being evaluated for non-drug therapy options.

Personalising and downloading our discussion guide may help you and your doctor to understand your current situation and determine your interest in therapies beyond medication.

Doctor Discussion Guide

VNS Therapy™ Safety Profile

The most common side effects of VNS Therapy™ include:

Hoarseness
Shortness of breath
Sore throat
Coughing

These side effects generally only occur during stimulation and usually decrease over time. The most common side effect of the surgical procedure is infection.

Children under 12 may have a greater risk of infection than those 12 years of age and older and may be more likely to experience lead damage due to higher activity levels and the potential to manipulate the lead. Talk to your physician about the best ways to avoid these complications and about warnings, precautions, side effects, and hazards. Ask about risks that you should know about as well as any other issues that might be appropriate to discuss, such as status epilepticus and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.

You can find more safety information here.

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