Some children are not candidates for surgery if they suffer from certain types of seizures:
- Seizures that begin in several areas of the brain
- Seizures that spread to both sides of the brain
- Seizures that are not well controlled, after trying several medications
In these cases, surgeons may try an alternative surgical intervention, including Vagal Nerve Stimulation and Responsive Neurostimulation.
VNS Clinic
The vagus nerve starts in the brainstem and goes down the neck and into the chest. Vagal Nerve Stimulation (VNS) is an alternative for children whose seizures are not well controlled with medications and who are not candidates for a brain operation to eliminate seizures. The VNS surgery is performed at the main hospital campus by Lurie Children's epilepsy neurosurgeons. The battery-operated vagal nerve stimulator is put in under the skin on the child's left side of the chest near the armpit. During surgery, the neurosurgeon implants the stimulator and tunnels its wires under the skin to the vagus nerve in the neck.
The Vagal Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Clinic at Lurie Children's monitors patients receiving VNS therapy for epilepsy and collects VNS efficacy and tolerability data. After the area heals, the health care provider will turn on the stimulator setting. The device delivers a gentle intermittent current to the vagus nerve to prevent and disrupt seizures. If a child senses a seizure is imminent, or the parent observes the warning signs, they can place a magnet over the stimulator. This can stop or shorten a seizure. Following surgery, patients will continue to follow up in clinic for device programming.
RNS Clinic
Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS) is a “smart” system for drug-resistant focal epilepsy. The neurostimulator device is placed in the skull near the area(s) where seizures start. The system monitors brain activity and can record and report EEG data to your provider. The device is then programmed to recognize and respond to seizure activity. Surgery is performed at the main hospital campus by Lurie Children's epilepsy neurosurgeons. Following surgery, patients will follow up in clinic for device programming.
Our Specialists
Amy Tennant, MS, APRN-NP, CPNP
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Epilepsy Center
Make an Appointment
Entry into the Neuromodulation Clinic is done through our Epilepsy Center’s provider referrals. Call to schedule an appointment with one of our providers.