For many patients, seizure reduction is just one way that they see their lives changing for the better. The benefits of VNS Therapy can go a long way to improve how you feel and what you are able to do.
To help you manage seizures and side effects, your doctor can adjust the level of stimulation you receive, and how often stimulation is provided.
It often takes several months to notice the effects of VNS Therapy™. In one clinical study it was found that over two years, the number of people who had at least a 50% reduction in their seizures increased greatly.
It’s important to realize that VNS Therapy is not a “quick fix,” and that you may still need to take medication. As the chart shows, seizure control usually improves over time, so you should make the commitment to use it for at least two years in order to see the full effects of therapy.
In addition, VNS Therapy has been shown to have the greatest effect when used within two years of diagnosis, and after the failure of only two or three drug treatments. Early treatment with non-drug options may help patients avoid unnecessary attempts at control with anti-seizure drugs that are not effective, and that may cause side effects that are hard to live with.
If you’re not satisfied with the seizure control your current therapy is providing, it may be time to talk with your doctor about VNS Therapy.
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