Treatment

Treatment for Seizures

There are many different treatments for epilepsy and other seizure disorders. First off I would like to say that trough my own research there is no cure for seizures. These treatments are only a way to suppress seizure activity.

Medication

For some people with generalized seizures, medication is often the first option for treatment. There are about 22 if not more different types of AED or(Anti Epileptic Drugs) on the market today. AEDs help suppress seizures by slowing the rapid misfires in the brain.Some people take anywhere from one medication to multiple medications depending on the severity of there seizures.

VNS (Vagus Nerve Stimulation)

One other kind of treatment that on might consider would be Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS). This is an out patientprocedure that takes about 2-3 hours.  This is where a small generator about the size of a silver dollar is place under the skin in the left breast. Then a lead wire is connected to the generator the ran under the skin the a second incision is made to connect the lead to the Vagus Nerve.

What Does VNS Do?

The small generator creates a small electrical current that is sent through the lead to the Vagus Nerve to give the brain an electrical shock.The electrical shock is used to control the electrical misfiresin the brain that cause seizures. The VNS give a dose of stimulation to the brain every 3-5 minutes depending on the settings made by your doctor.How Are Setting ChangedSettings can be changed through the skin with an electronic wand that is connected to a computer. A person with VNS will have to make regular visits to the doctor for adjustments of electrical stimulation. The wand is also used to check the life of the battery in the VNS. The battery life is anywhere between 10-15 years depending on the settings.

My Life With VNS

I have had my VNS implant since July 6, 2012, and I will say that it has dramatically cut down the amount of seizures I have. I still have other problems that come with having Leukodystrophy but as far as my seizure go I have better control over them. If I do have a seizure I have a magnet on my wrist that I can wave over my chest to give an extra dose of stimulation and stop a seizure if I feel one coming on.If you would like more information on VNS click HERE