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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.

Does getting a replacement battery for VNS hurt?

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
TX
September 25
 · 
Reactions
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I didn’t feel any pain when I had mine replaced. Anesthesia took care of that. I even took the stitches out a few days afterwards by myself, and felt no pain. I ask the doctors nurse if my wife could do it since she is a nurse and Covid was going around (several years ago). I was told yes, and my wife told me - do it yourself! It was really easy, and not painful.

September 25
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I'm pretty sure they do it as day surgery.

September 25
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

@A MyEpilepsyTeam Member
I don’t remember the battery replacement hurting

September 25
MyEpilepsyTeam

Great question! The short answer is: it's a minor procedure, so discomfort is generally minimal.

When the battery in a VNS device needs replacing (typically every 4 to 8 years), a surgeon makes a small incision over the device in the chest. Since it's a surgical procedure, anesthesia is used, so there shouldn't be any pain Show Full Answer

Great question! The short answer is: it's a minor procedure, so discomfort is generally minimal.

When the battery in a VNS device needs replacing (typically every 4 to 8 years), a surgeon makes a small incision over the device in the chest. Since it's a surgical procedure, anesthesia is used, so there shouldn't be any pain during the operation itself. After the procedure, some soreness or discomfort around the incision site is normal as it heals. Side effects to watch for after any VNS-related procedure can include:

- Infection at the surgical site
- Hoarse voice
- Sore throat
- Coughing
- Tingling or discomfort in the throat or neck
- Headaches
- Muscle spasms in the throat or voice box

These side effects are usually mild and tend to improve over time. Always let a neurologist know if anything feels off after the procedure.

September 25

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