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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.

Looking for someone who uses VNS. I have questions about side effects like horseness, etc.

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Mountain Home, AR
October 9
 · 
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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Thanks for the info

October 9
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Thank you for the info.

October 11
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I have had a VNS for about 7 hrs now. The "swipe" that you use when a seizure comes on did not and has not worked for me. I've only used it about 8 times since I got it.
My tooth becomes excruciating painful in the lower jaw. It is so bad that I stopped using it. I do have quite the collection of fillings & crowns there though, which may be why.

Over all of these years, I've found that my focal seizures mellowed out more. They are only about 10 seconds and only seem to appear at work. Stress?

The hoarseness drove me crazy at first b/c I like to sing. That too, gets better as time goes on.

October 11
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

@A MyEpilepsyTeam Member
I once had a Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS). When it turned on it would tickle my throat, make me cough and mess up my speech. After awhile I got used to it and didn’t notice it so much anymore. It didn’t help me with my seizures though.

October 9
MyEpilepsyTeam

It's great that you're doing your research before diving into VNS therapy! One MyEpilepsyTeam member shared: "Since my VNS was inserted 12 years ago (with one battery change two years ago), my seizures have been controlled. I have a checkup every six months."

Side effects from VNS are usually mild and often improve over time Show Full Answer

It's great that you're doing your research before diving into VNS therapy! One MyEpilepsyTeam member shared: "Since my VNS was inserted 12 years ago (with one battery change two years ago), my seizures have been controlled. I have a checkup every six months."

Side effects from VNS are usually mild and often improve over time or after your neurologist adjusts the device settings. Common ones include:

- Hoarse voice
- Sore throat
- Coughing
- Tingling or discomfort in the throat or neck
- Headaches
- Muscle spasms in the throat or voice box
- Trouble swallowing Most people can't even feel the device sending pulses. If side effects do bother you, let your neurologist know — adjusting the settings can often help.

It's also worth knowing that VNS can impact certain MRI scans, and you'd need to carry a therapy card through airport security. Always flag your VNS device to any healthcare provider before imaging tests.

October 9

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Does anyone work in the medical field and have a VNS?

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Tucson, AZ
December 9, 2015

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