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Advanced Epilepsy Treatment
NEW TO STATEN ISLAND
An implantable device the size of a Ritz cracker can stave off seizures in hard-to-treat
epilepsy patients, according to Kuldeep Singh, MD, a vascular surgeon and member of
the epilepsy treatment team at Staten Island University Hospital.
THE VAGUS NERVE stimulator (VNS), which is placed into
Follow-up Care
Initially, vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) patients
may need to see their physicians once every
two weeks until optimal parameters are met.
Once the dose is adjusted, stimulation becomes
regular, and patients may not even notice it.
"Side effects from VNS are rare," said Kuldeep
Singh, MD, a vascular surgeon and member of
the epilepsy treatment team at Staten Island
University Hospital. "Most — particularly common
symptoms such as coughing or a throat tickle
— typically decrease over time and tend to be
minimal and temporary."
About Epilepsy
Known by the ancient Greeks as "the falling disease,"
epilepsy is a brain disorder defined by abnormal
electrical discharges capable of causing convulsions
and seizures. Approximately 2.5 million American
suffer from the disease.
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the armpit through a small incision, fires off safe and painless
electrical impulses every five minutes. As the VNS' impulse
meets the seizure impulse, the seizure is deflected.
Dr. Singh explained that the vagus nerve delivers stimulations
to the brain and helps prevent electrical irregularities that cause
seizures. While a VNS provides stimulation to the brain, it
does not require brain surgery. Instead, VNS implantation is a
minimally invasive procedure in which two small incisions are
made — one in the crease on the left side of the neck and the
other hidden under the armpit. These usually heal within a week.
"General anesthesia is given, and our patients have an
overnight hospital stay," Dr. Singh said. "The generator itself is
placed under the skin in the left chest area, and a thin, flexible
wire connects the device to the left vagus nerve in the neck."
When used in conjunction with a small handheld magnet,
the stimulator is capable of stopping a seizure before it evolves
in patients who experience auras — halo vision effects, strange
smells or confusion that can be calling cards of a seizure.
Not for Everyone
The VNS device is approved by the US Food and Drug
Administration for use in adults and in children age 12 and
older. It is indicated for use as an adjunct therapy for reducing
the frequency of seizures in patients whose seizures cannot be
controlled by medication or who experience intolerable side effects
from anti-epileptic medicines. VNS implantation typically requires
referral by a neurologist, an overnight hospital stay and follow-up
visits. Studies show that VNS therapy is effective and long-lasting,
and that seizure control improves over time.
For more information, call Dr. Singh's office at 718-226-6800.
TO FIND A PHYSICIAN NEAR YOU, CALL 1-888-321-DOCS.
