Seizure question...

[Suzy Mouse]

Has anyone heard of the "vagus nerve stimulator". It has been very successful in treating seizures. About 1/3 of the patients have complete reversal of their seizures, 1/3 have significant improvement and 1/3 have no change at all.


I have an ex-student who is on a high level of meds so they really don't have much room for increase. She averages 2-5 seizures a month, usually just before her cycle. Her parents have discussed the option of birth control pills to stabilize her hormones. There have been some cases, where it is documented that the seizures are caused by hormones, that birth control pills can help. During the past 6 months this has been the case for her. However, to throw a monkey wrench into the mix, she had 4 seizures this week, 1 1/2 weeks post cycle. Her parents attribute most of it to her stress level lately. Although she feels that she wants to do this, she has been very concerned about going back into the hospital. The parents have tried to explain to her that it is different that her last visit, when she was there for a week, but apparently she is still stressed.

Does anyone know of people dealing with seizures and is aware of what they are doing to "control" them as much as possible? It is so sad to see what this family is going through. I'd like to give them feedback from others if possible.
Thanks!

 

[cinlee3]

I haven't heard anything about this but I would be curious to find out. My 5 yo nephew has a seizure disorder - they call his drop-outs" or something like that. He has several EVERY DAY. My brother also has seizures but he is able to control them with medication.

 

[catsrule]

My DH was in the hospital for a week for tests for his seizures. They put all kinds of wires on his head and have a camera on him during this time also. They measure to see exactly in the brain where the seizures are coming from to see if he is a canidate for some type of brain stimulation or surgery. Supposedly this procedure is supposed to get rid of the seizures. DH was not a canidate, he only had a couple of mild seizures during this time but they put him on a new type of med and he is doing very well. This procedure is done in a special epileptic unit. I'm not sure if this is what you are talking about or not, but maybe they would want to consider this.