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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.

VNS bracelet

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Fort Wayne, IN

Yikes! During lunch at work today I took my VNS bracelet off at work because it makes it go off while eating. I realized tonight that I forgot to put it back on! Of course they’re closed tomorrow! Should I be really scared or concerned? VNS has been working well.

September 6
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MyEpilepsyTeam

No need to panic! Forgetting the magnet bracelet for a day is not an emergency. The VNS device itself is still implanted and working automatically — it continues sending its regular electrical pulses to help prevent seizures whether or not you have the magnet with you. The magnet bracelet is mainly used to manually trigger Show Full Answer

No need to panic! Forgetting the magnet bracelet for a day is not an emergency. The VNS device itself is still implanted and working automatically — it continues sending its regular electrical pulses to help prevent seizures whether or not you have the magnet with you. The magnet bracelet is mainly used to manually trigger extra stimulation if you feel a seizure coming on. Without it for a day or two, you simply won't have that manual option available.

Here's what to keep in mind in the meantime:

- The device will keep running on its automatic cycle as usual
- Let someone close to you know you don't have the magnet temporarily
- If you feel any seizure warning signs, stay somewhere safe and calm
- Get the bracelet back on as soon as possible

Since your VNS has been working well, the automatic settings are doing the heavy lifting anyway. Just take sensible precautions and retrieve the bracelet as soon as you can!

September 6
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I only take it off when I eat because it seems to go off whenever I have it on bringing up close to my mouth

September 9
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Don't go off the rails, just don't take it off or use a necklace type and leave it on

September 8

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