Methods Of Treating Epilepsy

Vagus Nerve Stimulation

This is a procedure recommended for treating epilepsy in children over the age of four and in adults of all ages. Vagus nerve stimulation, or VNS therapy, is the process of electrically stimulating certain brain cells in the vagus nerve. This nerve is important to the autonomic nervous system, carrying messages between the brain and the rest of the body that help regulate breathing, heart rate, and other involuntary body functions. Research has yet to discover why stimulating this nerve works, but it's believed electrical impulses change the way the nerve sends messages. It may eliminate seizures by boosting blood flow to the various parts of the brain, causing increased production of the neurotransmitters that control epileptic seizures. It's also likely the therapy alters the electroencephalogram (EEG) patterns in the brain, which may prevent seizures from occurring. Since we know VNS therapy also increases the heart rate, a faster heart rate may also play a role in preventing seizures. Overall, stimulating body functions seems to be the key to stopping epileptic seizures.

Continue reading to discover how stimulating the brain can help treat epilepsy.