Internal rhythm

Epileptic seizures occur when large numbers of brain cells send electrochemical messages rhythmically and in unison. It is this simultaneous "firing" the brain cells which disrupts normal behaviors and causes shaking, confusion, and loss of control. The vagus nerve stimulation chip or VNS is designed to prevent seizures by sending regular, pulses of electrical energy to the brain via the vagus nerve. It's something like a pacemaker for the brain. The VNS, pacemaker part, is placed under the skin on the chest wall and a wire runs from it to the vagus nerve in the neck at the base of the brain. Once it's in it's in. Half of all patients with VNS experience about a 50% reduction in seizures. Only 9% have complete control. We had to try.