VNS Therapy™
Since 1997, VNS Therapy
has been approved for use as an adjunctive therapy in reducing the
frequency of seizures in adults and adolescents over 12 years of
age with partial onset seizures that are refractory to antiepileptic
medications. This indication is based on outcomes from 5 controlled,
clinical trials. Efficacy, measured as median seizure reduction,
was observed in these clinical trials and other study populations.
VNS Therapy resulted in median reductions in seizures of 31.3%,
40.7%, and 40.4% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively.1 Moreover, VNS Therapy offers a unique and favorable side effect
profile that avoids cerebral toxicity.2
Quality-of-life improvements have also been observed in patients
using VNS Therapy. Long-term continuation rates suggest that many
patients are satisfied with VNS Therapy. More specifically, some
recent publications have demonstrated evidence of quality-of-life
improvements observed with VNS Therapy. Alertness, daytime sleepiness,
mood, and memory have shown improvement in VNS Therapy patients.
VNS Therapy delivers stimulation via a device implanted just under
the skin in the left chest area. The pacemaker-like device sends
mild, intermittent electrical impulses through a lead to the left
vagus nerve, which then sends signals to the brain.1 Each device
is programmed for the individual patient, and the patient or a caregiver
has the ability to initiate or abort stimulation with the use of
a hand-held magnet.
1Physician’s
Manual, VNS Therapy Pulse Model 102 Generator. Cyberonics, Inc.;
June 2002.
2Handforth A, et al. Neurology. 1998;51:48-55.
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