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What is a epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by unpredictable and recurrent seizures. It is the fourth most common neurological disorder, affecting nearly 65 million people worldwide

What causes epilepsy?

Genetic factors

Head trauma

Brain infections

Stroke

Diseases

What does having epilepsy mean for me?

It is usually managed with medications or surgery, but in some cases lifestyle modifications are also recommended to help manage symptoms.

People living with epilepsy may have difficulty with everyday activities such as driving, taking part in sports, or socialising due to their condition. Despite this however, many individuals living with epilepsy lead successful lives.

Awareness and understanding of the condition are key to helping those affected live full and productive lives.

Research has made great strides in improving treatments and managing the condition so that more people living with epilepsy can be active and successful.

With proper diagnosis, management, and support from family and friends, those living with epilepsy can lead fulfilling lives.

How is epilepsy diagnosed?

Diagnosis is usually made through EEG, or electroencephalography, which measures the electrical activity in the brain.

EEG is a crucial tool for understanding epilepsy, diagnosing it accurately and treating it effectively.

This allows doctors to identify the type of seizure and develop the best treatment plan for their patient

How is epilepsy treated?

A vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) is a medical device designed to treat certain neurological conditions, such as epilepsy.

It is a small, implantable device that is placed under the skin in the chest area, with a wire attached to the left vagus nerve in the neck. The device works by delivering regular, mild electrical pulses to the vagus nerve, which then carries these signals to the brain.

The exact mechanism of action of VNS is not fully understood, but it is believed to help regulate abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which can reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in epilepsy patients.

EEG

Electroencephalogram

An EEG measures the electrical activity of the brain by placing electrodes on the scalp. These electrodes detect and record patterns of electrical activity produced by neurons in the brain.

During an EEG, you will be asked to lie down on a bed or reclining chair while a technician applies electrodes to your scalp using a special adhesive paste. The number of electrodes used can vary depending on the reason for the test; but it typically ranges from 16 to 32.

Once all of the electrodes are in place, you will be asked to relax with your eyes closed for about 20-30 minutes while the technician records your brain activity. During this time, you may be asked to perform certain tasks such as deep breathing or flashing lights in order to stimulate specific areas of your brain.

During an EEG you need to remain still and quiet with your eyes closed for an extended period of time; so it's essential that you feel relaxed and comfortable during the procedure.

For a overnight or 24 hour EEG you will be sent home with the electrodes secured to the head and a small portable EEG device. You may continue normal daily duties while the EEG is connected and the electrodes will be removed the next morning.

After recording data from your EEG; a neurophysiologist who specializes in interpreting these tests will analyse it alongside other relevant medical information.

VNS

Vagus nerve stimulator

the patient will be scheduled to see a neurophysiologist for follow-up appointments. Initially, the patient will be seen every 2-4 weeks to gradually increase the settings of the VNS.

The process of reaching the desired setting can take up to 3 months, as the neurophysiologist adjusts the VNS to achieve optimal results for the patient. During these appointments, adjustments may also be made regarding how the vagus nerve stimulator stimulates.

Once the desired setting is achieved, the patient should transition to less frequent checkups, returning every 6 months for an assessment of the VNS and its battery level.

Potential side effects of VNS therapy may include hoarseness or voice changes, throat discomfort, cough, headaches, shortness of breath, and difficulty swallowing. These side effects are important to monitor during the adjustment phase and throughout the patient's ongoing treatment with the VNS.

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