Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) is offering Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Therapy for patients who suffer from seizures. VNS Therapy is designed specifically for people still living with seizures regardless of trying multiple medications.
VNS is an outpatient procedure. The therapy device sends mild pulses through the vagus nerve to areas of the brain that are associated with seizures in an effort to control seizures.
The goal of VNS Therapy is to prevent seizures before they start, and stop them if they do.
VNS Therapy is not brain surgery. It is a proven long-term solution being used by more than 100,000 people around the world, including more than 33,000 children.
“VNS Therapy may improve the quality of life for patients,” said Naveed Ahmed, MD, FAHA, FAAN. “This is a safe and effective treatment with benefits that usually improve over time.”
Patients typically see fewer seizures, shorter seizures, better seizure recovery, decreased seizure severity, less medication, improved alertness, mood and memory, reduction in status epilepticus, improved quality of live and fewer hospital and Emergency Room visits.
VNS Therapy is for patients who have tried at least two anti-seizure medications and are still having seizures.
“If people are experiencing multiple seizures, I want them to know options are available to improve their quality of life,” Dr. Ahmed said.
At this time, additional PMC physicians are receiving specialized training to serve the growing demand of patients requiring this service.
