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Real members of MyEpilepsyTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Laredo, TX
November 5, 2025
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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

May want to ask about the DBS or RNS if you are Interested in any of the alternative treatment

But overall, it is your choice whether you go with the procedure or not

You may want to keep the VNS , DBS and RNS in mind. So if your Dr. can’t get your seizure fully under controlled the medication treatment, you may want to think about taking one of those alternative paths for treatment.

November 5, 2025 (edited)
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I once had the VNS but had no luck so doctors performed another surgery and removed in from my chest

November 6, 2025
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Good post and? I agree with the ai mentioned about and other people's opinions here which is ok with that, I have something like this post here happen to me about a suggestion for brain surgery brought up to me by my medical system and my doc and did take into consideration about it, but I didn't mind that they brought that up to me, but I did discuss this to a few people I knew and told them, but I decided it was a good option brought up to me but didn't think I needed to do that, and I appreciate that was let known to me, but get people's opinions here which is ok with that and get some ideas about what they can give you, but then go to your doc about the post here and the situation and condition you are trying to get other options and alternative way of treatment for you, but good luck with your outcome with the post here, my opinion

November 6, 2025
MyEpilepsyTeam

It's completely understandable to have concerns about getting a VNS (vagus nerve stimulator). This is a personal medical decision that deserves careful consideration.

It might help to understand what you're hesitant about. Some common concerns include:

* It requires surgery to implant the device under your chest skin
* It can Show Full Answer

It's completely understandable to have concerns about getting a VNS (vagus nerve stimulator). This is a personal medical decision that deserves careful consideration.

It might help to understand what you're hesitant about. Some common concerns include:

* It requires surgery to implant the device under your chest skin
* It can take up to two years before you see the full benefits
* Side effects like hoarseness, throat discomfort, coughing, or trouble swallowing
* Carrying a therapy card through airport security
* Potential limitations with MRI scans

On the positive side, VNS has helped many people with epilepsy. Research shows that about half of people using VNS see their seizures decrease by at least 50 percent within the first two years. A MyEpilepsyTeam member shared: "Since my VNS was inserted 12 years ago, my seizures have been controlled."

Have an honest conversation with your doctor about your specific concerns. They can help you weigh whether VNS is right for your situation, or discuss alternative treatment options that might work better for you. You don't have to make this decision alone, and it's okay to take time to think it through.

November 5, 2025
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I've always felt better about something being removed from my body than being inserted. When I had the temporal lobectomy, I had a 3-inch cube of my brain coming out because it was causing my seizures.

November 6, 2025

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