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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is VNS Therapy The Only Way To Control Seizures?

Hello Drs.My daughter is 11 yrs old.She had a generalized tonic-clonic seizure in February and again the same kind last week- exactly a month apart.Now, yes, there is family history of seizures on the father s side.We are following up with EEG and eventually MRI.Now, is VNS an option only if medication fails?Or can one opt for it if that would help without way too many medications?
Fri, 10 Aug 2018
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Neurologist,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.


I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.





Typically, VNS therapy is recommended after a significant effort is made to control the patient with standard medications. This is because VNS utilizes an implanted device and usually that is going to remain in the body for life. Not only that- once a device like that is implanted (whether turned on or not) because it has wiring and wraps around vital structures there are types of diagnostic studies that can no longer be done such as MRI scans. Therefore, implanting any device into the body should be done only after no other means of controlling the seizures can be found.





Hope I have answered your query.


Let me know if I can assist you further.
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Is VNS Therapy The Only Way To Control Seizures?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Typically, VNS therapy is recommended after a significant effort is made to control the patient with standard medications. This is because VNS utilizes an implanted device and usually that is going to remain in the body for life. Not only that- once a device like that is implanted (whether turned on or not) because it has wiring and wraps around vital structures there are types of diagnostic studies that can no longer be done such as MRI scans. Therefore, implanting any device into the body should be done only after no other means of controlling the seizures can be found. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.